Skid Plate bolts, removal problem

[kmagnuss]

Or you could use some blue lock-tite instead of replacing the nuts? Pretty lame having to replace them. I guess I'll keep an eye on them to see if they fall out over time... nothing like having your sway bar flopping around under there. D'oh!

[ThalliumZA]

Originally Posted by kmagnuss

Or you could use some blue lock-tite instead of replacing the nuts? Pretty lame having to replace them. I guess I'll keep an eye on them to see if they fall out over time... nothing like having your sway bar flopping around under there. D'oh!

The problem is that they get distorted when they are first put on, I think they take alot of stress when you drive over "un even" surfaces or under heavy acceleration and are prone to snap if re-used.

I'm still using my original set, second time tightened, because I still have work to do under there, and i have not tightened them fully, and I avoid bad surfaces and heavy acceleration for now until i am finished.

Lock-tight will make zero difference. that plate has to be on there very tight to do its job properly. hence the bolts being tight. bolts that are not tightened properly will allow that skid plate to "move" under the bolt and cause wear over time.

[HPIA4v2]

FYI, red Loctite is stronger than blue. But for best result both nut and screw have tobe metal-to-metal (no nylon insert etc in the nut).

But if those specialized nuts are only a few bucks I'd say go buy brand new ones.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by HPIA4v2

FYI, red Loctite is stronger than blue. But for best result both nut and screw have tobe metal-to-metal (no nylon insert etc in the nut).

But if those specialized nuts are only a few bucks I'd say go buy brand new ones.

The're 78 cents each.

[kmagnuss]

Yes of course red is stronger than blue... that's why you typically need a torch to get it off... which is why I suggested blue.

[cncmastr]

You are supposed to replace them as they require torque + 90 tightening. This stretches the threads on the bolts. Once they have been stretched, they can fail if re-used. Additionally, they mail fail (the head may snap off as you continually turn then 90 each time you re-use them) as you attempt to re-torque them.

They're not that expensive, why not buy new ones as BMW advises?

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by cncmastr

You are supposed to replace them as they require torque + 90 tightening. This stretches the threads on the bolts. Once they have been stretched, they can fail if re-used. Additionally, they mail fail (the head may snap off as you continually turn then 90 each time you re-use them) as you attempt to re-torque them.

They're not that expensive, why not buy new ones as BMW advises?

So true, I picked up a full set of bolts, washers and nuts about 1.5 yrs ago for under $25, they are under $30 now on RealOEM.