240: Removing a trashed rear spring retaining plate

[sheepbleat]

This bolt/plate has met an untimely demise in my 1991 244. The bolt just spins freely in the plate, and the nut is seized to the bolt.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s felt this pain. Also seems like a tough place to fit an angle grinder. Regardless, I’ve got a replacement one and I’m going to attack it this weekend.

What’s the TB preferred method for freeing one of these from a trailing arm? Drill it out? Try and cut it?

[Jack]

grab the bolt with vicegrips

[VB242]

Pry up on the plate while using an impact wrench or driver to loosen the nut.

[sheepbleat]

Awesome. Thanks both.

And while I’m asking... anyone know the threads on these? My heart says M10 x 1.5 but it’s a shot in the dark.

[VB242]

I just stuck a regular 7/16" bolt back in its place.

[esmth]

ah this happened to me. I forget what I did to get it out, but I know the ones that went back in were tack welded together!

[culberro]

Originally Posted by sheepbleat

Awesome. Thanks both.

And while I’m asking... anyone know the threads on these? My heart says M10 x 1.5 but it’s a shot in the dark.

I'm 99% sure that's the correct size.
I usually just replace them with a nut and bolt when that happens, or tack weld the stud to the plate.

[sheepbleat]

Confirmed: M10 x 1.5

[Otto Mattik]

Originally Posted by VB242

I just stuck a regular 7/16" bolt back in its place.

[VB242]

Originally Posted by Otto Mattik

I have a good mix of SAE and metric bolts on my car, after 41 years a few holes get stripped out. Plus I have a big rack of stainless SAE hardware at work.

[Otto Mattik]

Originally Posted by VB242

I have a good mix of SAE and metric bolts on my car, after 41 years a few holes get stripped out. Plus I have a big rack of stainless SAE hardware at work.

I've been known to do it ..reckon I try to stay oe is to avoid confusion later if I forgets about it ?