Doh! Snapped transmission pan bolt!

[dav305z]

Was just finishing up a successful transmission fluid change on my GTP (93,000 miles) when I over torqued one of the bolts and it snapped, with most of the thread stuck in the hole. I torqued all the other bolts correctly, and filled the car with new fluid. It doesn't seem to be leaking.

My questions are twofold:

A) What's the best way to fix this? I'm thinking of trying to extract it with a drill.

B) How urgent is the repair? I ask because my girlfriend needs the car to go to work on Monday. If it's not leaking, I'd like to just monitor it and address it next weekend. Is this a grave error?

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

A pan bolt? don't worry tooo too much

[GMCSonoma]

Originally Posted by Smaart Aas Saabr

A pan bolt? don't worry tooo too much

I concur...keep an eye on it...

those are only good for 20 ft# btw...I'm surprised it's didn't strip out of the trans case 1st...

[dav305z]

Originally Posted by GMCSonoma

I concur...keep an eye on it...

those are only good for 20 ft# btw...I'm surprised it's didn't strip out of the trans case 1st...

I was just tightening it with a ratchet, not a torque wrench or breaker bar. I think the bolts must have been fatigued.

In any event, what's the best way to get this thing out without causing more damage?

[GMCSonoma]

if it's flush...easy-out

http://www.brokentap.com/easy-outs.html

[dav305z]

Originally Posted by GMCSonoma

if it's flush...easy-out

http://www.brokentap.com/easy-outs.html

It should be flush -- the bolt hadn't even seized when it snapped.

[Nosman]

Because it broke while going in, the rest of it should come out really easy by putting a small magnet on it and turning. If it doesn't, a little drilling with a left handed drill bit will take care of it.