Breaking strut to steering arm bolts? '89 525

[Gene in NC]

Breaking strut to steering arm bolts on '89 525 w 165k, while trying to r&r struts. Drivers side first bolt off OK, broke second, then heavy use of PB Blaster and two hour soak. Third bolt feels like it is wringing off. This is first time strut removal at 166k.

Passenger side, PB Blaster with short soak then easy off.

Bolt threads have white residue. Is this some kind of locking compound. How treat bolts with factory locking compound to get stub of the broken bolt out?

[Barney Paull-Edwards]

BMW thread lock compound gives up @86`c so local heat will free stub off,they do work loose so if you can, drill and lock-wire new ones.A doddle to get stub if you take strut out of car, bitch in place.

[ryan roopnarine]

nothing really to contribute. i had this happen on the side of the vehicle that i know has been over a curb at speeds over 45 mph. i just replaced the assembly with a salvage unit. i can't even fathom how much effort it would take to get that stub out.

[Ross]

Some thread locking compound from a previous service?
If there is enough left to grab try heating it until cherry and twisting it out.
Or drill it and use an easy out.
These might have been overtightened on installation. It takes a pretty hearty tug to snap those bolts.

[Gene in NC]

e34. Local machine shop swapped out the shocks and removed two broken bolts for $40. Shop first time with BMW struts. No problem.

[Gene in NC]

Local machine shop didn't/doesn't even charge extra for broken bolt removal. Heat em up to cherry red, vice grips and it's done. Just like Ross said.

[sal_park]

Bolt threads have white residue. Is this some kind of locking compound.

It is (or should be) LOCTITE 270 or equivalent