Subframe Bolt Nut Plate

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NJSHO

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If you have ever had your subframe off and looked up into the holes in the body where the subframe bolt goes there are nut plates in there that the subframe bolt threads into. These plates are held in place and not allowed to spin by little tabs that are attached to the body. My problem is that these tabs sheered off on the body by the rear passenger side subframe bushing. Now when I remove the subframe bolt, I have to pull up the carpet, open the body plug, and have someone hold the nut plate so that it doesnt spin. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so what did you do to fix it? I was thinking about JB welding some posts in there, would that work? Heres a diagram of what Im talking about.
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wood_e

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I had this problem on my fronts... there's really no easy way around it from what I know.
 

Bizzy

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This is a very common problem. I don't know of any easy way to fix it once the tabs are broken unfortunately.
 

Ishodu

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Use a tap to remove the locking portion of the deformed threads so that they will not be tight on the threads. Then use an impact.
 

Electricat

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Mine are this way also. You could possibly tack weld the nut in place, but personally I would just leave it as-is.
 

Bizzy

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you can do it by yourself if you let the weight of the subframe hang on the bolts. Just bring up all corners evenly, a few wrenches at a time. I'd also e sure that the engine is supported, while lifting the subframe up with the bolts is OK (read: won't hurt anything) I don't think you should lift the engine up with the bolts.a block of wood under the oil pan would help, but you will have to jack then tighten bolts till you start to lift the engine. Bit of a dance to get the timing right and bolt everything back up.
 

k_mesaros

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Crap! While installing my subframe, my drivers rear bolt just spins. Now I, too, need 2 people to bolt my car together. Perhaps I should not have tried tightening that bolt to see if I could "persuade" the subframe to straighten out and line up...:doh:

:snicker:I could use an extra nut...

Kevin
 
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