Stripped EGR bolt of death.... Out of ideas on how to remove

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by adrtho4, Jun 7, 2025 at 6:05 PM.

  1. adrtho4

    adrtho4 Junior Member

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    Hey,

    I have a 2014 Gen 3 Prius and I'm in the mist of replacing the head gasket. I've removed the all of the bolts of the egr except one. The one that is in the front. I have the tool to remove the bolt, but when I went to remove, I didn't loosen the nut and the head of that bolt tore. I then removed the nut, tried several tools to get the bolt to release, ended up stripping it. I can't remove the egr due me being unable to remove this bolt. I had to disconnect the inverter cables (and I took a pic before hand when I go to re-attach them) for some more room to operate. At my wits end here.

    I've tried a damaged bolt/stud tool. Think that did more harm than good. Tried to re-thread with my tap and die set, but I think the bolt is hardened and I would need a hardened kit to re-thread. I don't have a welder so I can't tac weld anything to remove the bolt. Literally at peak frustration with this thing and I'm running out of ideas... hence this thread.

    Any other suggestion on how to get this thing removed? Maybe call a specialist? Is there a tool I can get that can give me enough grip to twist this off? With it being stripped, the tools I currently have don't provide enough grip and there isn't a lot of space to insert a anything large in there.

    Also, I have been trying to find this very part but the online manuals I look at, the part number is different and the sites are unable to confirm if it will fit or not. Any help with identifying the right part would also be great.

    Thanks in advance for any ideas I can try.

    prius bolt 2.jpg prius bolt.jpg
     
  2. CatNinja

    CatNinja Member

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    Try Eagle Malco locking pliers. I got mine from Harry Epstein, under $30. Vise Grips may work too, but the Malco has hardened teeth, and reinforcement so you can really crank it down. I had a similar issue on a stripped rusted bolt in a lawn mower and after struggling for a couple of days, I ordered this and it came off on the first try.
     
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  3. adrtho4

    adrtho4 Junior Member

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    Thanks. I do have some locking pliers that came with a car toolkit and my biggest issue is clearance as it was hard to get a solid grip on anything. I'll order those Malco locking pliers and give it another shot.

    I also see a bolt extractor set that I'll order and give this a try as well. Really screwed myself when I stripped that bolt. This has delayed this repair process a lot.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Can the EGR components come off together with the head?

    that aside: Dremel a slot in the tip of the stud, or weld a nut onto it?
     
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  5. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

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    There are specialty designed sockets for removal that you could hammer on.
    Baring the access, the "vice grip" may work.
    As suggested, welding a nut on may work.
    From your description, you may not have the right tools.
    FWIW - soak with penetrating oil for a day or two and be prepared to use heat before you try again.
    Good luck.
     
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  6. adrtho4

    adrtho4 Junior Member

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    From what I can see.... possibly. I would have to remove some hoses and there would be a couple of screws directly under the egr that I would need to get to.

    I don't have a welder atm. I'll have to get one from harbor freight. But I do have a dremel. I could possibly do that. Thanks for the input.
     
  7. adrtho4

    adrtho4 Junior Member

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    Yeah, I definitely don't have the proper tools. I've ordered a bolt extractor kit which will arrive today. Hopefully that will do the trick, else I will break out my dremel and drill a slot where I can remove the screw.

    I'll pick up some penetrating oil today.