So I removed the strut rod to allow for easier access to the cv-axle  replacement.

After tighten the 3 bolt that hold the strut rod mount plat to the frame / uni-body 

 

There is now a clank and i can see the plate moving when I bounce the car.

It clank whenever I drive forward and / or when i hit a bump.

 

Feels like the bolt stripped the nut off the sheet metal, INSIDE the uni-body.

 

Question:

Are there captive bolts inside the sheet metal?

How screwed am I at a quick fix to this ?

Will I have to cut open the sheet metal and weld up a bolt and bracket to fix this ?

Video of movement and a little sound:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcVGhVMevRs

If they're not tight and won't tighten, then yes, they are likely stripped and it is a captured nut. I wouldn't go cutting things open to replace them. There is really no reason to remove the mount. Almost every other manufacturer rivets or welds them in. If it were me, I'd stitch weld it in place and be done with it.

The only reason you may not want to weld them in place is if you're considering a lift kit. These are usually modified as part of that process.

 

Quick fix is to weld them in place.

 

I've known others to cut out that part of the chassis (they rust in that area also), and weld up new plates with nuts welded in behind. Just make sure its grinded back smooth so that the plates can be bolted back up hard against it.

They're pretty difficult to weld where they are. The sheet metal that you are welding to is very thin, and there's a lot of undercoating. I did that on one of my wagons.....and it was almost as hard as fixing it correctly (weld a nut to a fender washer, then weld the washer in the hole).

 

 

You can cut into that channel from the interior. Then you'll be able to put a vice grips on the back side, which will make it easier to remove. Then get a big fender washer and a new nut, and bolt it back together. 

Fixed a few days ago.

Drilled out captive nut ( whose threads were stripped )

Got 60 mm ,  12-1.25 bolt and lock washer.

Repurposed old lug nut to hold it all together.

Btw I LOVE air tools !!!

Edited July 5, 201411 yr by Silas Cruse