Reinforcement Plate Bolts: Are they really $16 each?

[Lamby]

Originally Posted by Supra

OK...I am not bgoing to ask if I should or shouldnt use these re-use these bolts but I do have a question relating to them.

How the heck do you get access to the nuts on the upper side when putting them back? I really struggled to get them out and at the weekend am planning to re-assemble the car after swapping the turbo and frankly am dreading getting access to all the nuts, a couple are accessable via the wheel arch but not all.

Yes, they are a total pain. So, the access to them is a bit of a process. First, remove the plastic splash shield infront of the Reinforcement Plate, after that, I removed the side covers around the steering control arms top and bottom, and the inspection panels in the Plate, where you can drain the oil from, etc... So with all this done and out the way, by the ARB you can see the top of the bolts, I used a box spanner on the top side and a regular wrench underneath. Lay on my back under the car I just about found enough access to all of the bolt nuts on the underside. Use a bottle jack to keep the plate in place, remove all bolts then remove jack and lower the plate when you are out of the way

[Supra]

Originally Posted by Lamby

Yes, they are a total pain. So, the access to them is a bit of a process. First, remove the plastic splash shield infront of the Reinforcement Plate, after that, I removed the side covers around the steering control arms top and bottom, and the inspection panels in the Plate, where you can drain the oil from, etc... So with all this done and out the way, by the ARB you can see the top of the bolts, I used a box spanner on the top side and a regular wrench underneath. Lay on my back under the car I just about found enough access to all of the bolt nuts on the underside. Use a bottle jack to keep the plate in place, remove all bolts then remove jack and lower the plate when you are out of the way

Thanks for the promt reply. Yea I saw from the side splash plates you can just about see the one nut from each side. Will let you know how I get on. Car is up nice and high anyhow as the turbo had to come out from underneath and with my belly it had to be high for me to get under. Thanks again.

[Lamby]

No worries, if the car is nice and high should be easier. if you are getting the turbo out, at the same time I had a look at my Manifold and inspected it, it was cracked and letting gasses past. Ended up getting a cast iron, which is as heavy as hell and cheap as chips (£68.00 with gaskets) I did notice the power was coming in sooner, about 1700RPM rather than about 2500RPM, with the cast iron one. Anyway thats off topic. Good luck! Let us know how you get on.

[Supra]

Originally Posted by Lamby

No worries, if the car is nice and high should be easier. if you are getting the turbo out, at the same time I had a look at my Manifold and inspected it, it was cracked and letting gasses past. Ended up getting a cast iron, which is as heavy as hell and cheap as chips (£68.00 with gaskets) I did notice the power was coming in sooner, about 1700RPM rather than about 2500RPM, with the cast iron one. Anyway thats off topic. Good luck! Let us know how you get on.

Yes I was looking and with the turbo out it looks as though I have a cast log manifold so hopefully should be all good there. Even with the turbo out though its quite hard to see the manifold in any detail eh.

[semcoinc]

What Lamby said

Also as a tip for others needing this plate out of the way for any work: remove three bolts and loosen the 4th. Then pivot the plate out of your way (strategically select bolt #4 for your needed clearance).

When finished, pivot plate back into position and reinstall all bolts or change them if you choose to follow the technical guidance (personally, I don't replace).

Mike

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by semcoinc

What Lamby said

Also as a tip for others needing this plate out of the way for any work: remove three bolts and loosen the 4th. Then pivot the plate out of your way (strategically select bolt #4 for your needed clearance).

When finished, pivot plate back into position and reinstall all bolts or change them if you choose to follow the technical guidance (personally, I don't replace).

Mike

My plate had six bolts....