vacuum pump stripped bolt?

2014 FORD F-150

270,000 MILES • 3.5L • V6 • TURBO • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

SCOTTOSTEEN1554

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I am working on replacing the vacuum pump on my truck. While I have successfully removed the lower two bolts, the third (upper) bolt's head has stripped and I am unable to loosen and remove it. I have tried using penetrating spray, normal 8mm sockets in both 1/4 and 3/8 in drive, using a vice grip plier, an extractor socket, adjustable pliers, and an 8-inch pipe wrench. Everything just spins on the head and removes more material. There is only about 3 inches of space between the vacuum pump and the fire wall, and I cannot fit a hammer, punch, torch, or heat gun into the area. What do you suggest I do to remove this bolt?

Jan 20, 2025 at 2:01 PM

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Yep, these can be tricky. I would try a hacksaw and cut the head off of the pump bolt, a cutting torch maybe, you might need to remove the cylinder head to fix the problem, can you upload an image of what you are working on so I can get an idea to help you? Here are the instructions on how to change the brake vacuum pump out so we can be on the same page. If you cut the head off, the pump will move outward so you can get a small channel locks on the shank of the bolt to twist it out the rest of the way. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Jan 21, 2025 at 12:05 PM