GKN Diff Removal Problem

[KevtheRev]

Diff removal all going well until I discovered this little gem.

The upper n/s M12 bolt head at the front of the diff has been tack welded as in the photo as has the speedo sensor bracket. The bolt is also backed out slightly.

I suspect someone has tried to remove the speedo bracket, jammed the bolt after a turn or two, butchered the hex head so tacked it all together. The inaccessible lock nut is still on the back of the bolt.

Think I'm going to try and grind the head/weld off in situ, and then sort it out once the diff is removed but any other suggestions before I crack on?

[phillpot]

The weld doesn't look to have got the bolt head?

[KevtheRev]

Only just caught it, if the hex wasn't rounded then weld would probably give.

[gbtvr]

Can you access to weld on a nut or scrap an Allen key in place and weld in, and then break tack weld?

[KevtheRev]

All out now
Managed to cut the head off with a pad saw then sort the bodgery once diff was on the bench.