Q: Broken bolt

asked by on December 21, 2016

When replacing the thermostat housing, one of the bolts was so locked we bent tools trying to loosen it... Eventually we had to break it with a chisel just to get the part replaced. I have two questions:

  1. Where would I go about finding a bolt to replace it?

  2. Is it safe to drive it this way until it is replaced?

My car has 57000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Brakes randomly locking up.
Hi there. Your ABS system should keep the brake from locking up if it is working properly. With that being said, you may get different wheels braking at different times if the ABS unit sees the need to cycle the...
Car steaming and leaking radiator fluid
I’m not sure what repair was done, but it sounds like a coolant hose was left loose. Do not drive the car with a major coolant leak. It will overheat very quickly. If the shop is a reputable one, they...
Car won't start - 2004 Mercedes Benz C240
This maybe caused by a variety of potential issues. For starters, I would suggest testing the key a few times while moving the steering wheel to see if this will get it to start again. Try another key, too, if...
Cylinder 2 injector control circuit Renault Scenic 2
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. The code P0202 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0202-obd-ii-trouble-code-injector-circuit-malfunction-cylinder-2-by-spencer-clayton) is what shows for a cylinder that has lost connectivity to an injector. Either the injector (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-injector-replacement) has failed or the injector wiring harness has an issue. Check the cylinder...
Where do i fill up the radiator on a H2 Hummer 2006
Coolant on your vehicle should be added to the reservoir that is located on the passenger side of the engine compartment. It will have a cap on top, that can be removed when the engine is cool, and allow for...
No reverse in transmission 1997 Chevrolet Express Van 1500
Hello - I believe you have a failure in the reverse input clutch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/does-an-automatic-transmission-have-a-clutch) in the transmission. This could be caused by several components in this clutch, all of which will require removal and disassembly of the transmission to repair....
Traction Control System
Hi There, The traction control system monitors the steering stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This is done by the use of electronic sensors at each of the four wheels that communicate with...
Why does my van always stay at a high idle 2000 Chevrolet Express
Hello. There are a lot of reasons that would cause a high idle, but most of the time it is caused by a vacuum leak. When there is an excessive amount of air entering the engine the computer will compensate...
Was wondering if I Isuzu 5.2 4hke TS diesel could be ran without a muffler
Hi There, It sounds like you are having an issue with the DPF check engine light. The DPF light relates to the diesel particulate system in your vehicle which includes a filter in the exhaust system that is designed to...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford F-250
When When it comes to large, heavy-duty pickup trucks, the 2012 Ford F-250 only has two competitors – the Chevrolet Silverado HD and the Dodge Ram 2500/3500. Though the F-250 doesn’t outperform the Ram in the towing department, it certainly...
2012 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2012 Ford Focus: Which One Should I Buy?
The Hyundai Elantra and the Ford Focus are both offerings in the inexpensive compact sedan category, and both represent some of the best offerings in that class. Compact cars are slightly larger than a subcompact, but smaller than a mid-size;...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Have Kids
Once Once you have kids, the kind of car you have becomes very important. Suddenly, the amount of space, entertainment features, reliability, safety, and easy to clean interior become the top priorities. Here’s a list of vehicles meant to satisfy...