Factory Threaded Insert Rusted and Bolt Broke

[Firefight1981]

I have a 2017 Ram.
Was trying to add running boards, but the factory threaded inserts are rusty.

After about 45 minutes I was able to clean out one of the inserts and screw a bolt in. When I was cleaning another threaded insert, a bolt head broke off and the rest of the bolt is stuck in the other insert...well sheeeit.

Any suggestions of what can be done now?
I am considering just having a local truck accessory place now install the running boards since the other threaded inserts will also be rusty.

 

[Jtblackram]

Get some vice grips to get it out first off

 

[NJMOPAR]

Looks like there's enough left to grab with vise grips.
Use PB Blaster to soak it, go slowly back 'n' forth then back it out.

 

[Wild one]

If you manage to get it out,go buy yourself the proper size tap for the hole and run it through the threads to clean them out.A bolt is a very poor thing to use for cleaning up rusted threads. I'd lay odds the threads are *****'d in that hole now,so you'll have to run a tap through it to clean the threads up to where a bolt will go in again with-out cross threading

 

[Beemer533]

I'd probably weld a nut onto it then chase all the threads with a tap or thread cleaner as was previously mentioned.

 

[Firefight1981]

I agree a bolt is not the best to use when cleaning out rusty threads. I was trying to make due with what I had access to at the time. And I was getting a little impatient.

Today I bought the PB Blaster and 8mm thread tap. Will attempt some time this week and will post results.

 

[indept]

If you're not familiar with taps it's best to run it in for a few turns then back it out a half turn to free the rust that accumulates in the tap then forward a few then back a half turn. If you just run it straight through you can break the tap. Ask me how I know.

Also use plenty of your favorite lube and I'm not talking Astroglide....

 

[Firefight1981]

I tried the PB Blaster and vise grips the other day, but to no avail.
Local truck shops will charge about about $400 to install the running boards with this bolt issue I created.
Will try again this weekend and if that doesn't work, I will just drill out that bolt and use the supplied hardware for trucks that don't have threaded inserts for that one spot.
Still need to tap the 7 other threaded inserts.

 

[magician]

Let that blaster sit for a night or two and then maybe add some heat to that area and try again. Also use a file to add some square corners to what’s left hanging out and try grabbing and turning.

You could also take it to the dealer and see if the guy who does the exhaust manifold bolts can get it, still cheaper than $400
Good luck