Removed tailgate cap, busted clinch nut loose !

[sshoureas]

I'm detailing my 2008 All Terrain and decided to go a but further and freshen up the tailgate cap, only (4) screws - right ?

 

I get to #3 and it's a bit tight but I didn't sense it was frozen. I turn a bit harder then it suddenly breaks free then just spins, and spins and ..... spins.

 

Any ideas how I can fix this ?? I still need to remove the cap before I can begin to fix the clinch insert.

 

Help !!

[montyss]

take a 1/8" drill bit through the center of the screw followed by a 1/4" drill to get the head of the screw then drill it the "exact" size of the new nutsert you are going to insert in the hole , I think they are M8 metric in size for the threads

here is a video on the insert , watch at about 2:21 for how it works

 

[Doug_Scott]

You will want to watch that you do not get the bolt spinning when trying to drill. It will get hot enough to melt the plastic.

[j-ten-ner]

Hi;

 

when you watch this video you can see how the tailgate cap is fastened. They used nutserts as described in montyss post.

 

http://videos.etonne.../video/31503451

 

I'm thinking that the nutsert came lose.

What if you take out the door handle and try to reach inside with a pliers to hold the nutsert?

 

Just a thought.

 

so long

j-ten-ner

[montyss]

the factory nutserts have a hex on the backside you might get a wrench on it if its the one close to the tailgate handle , could be a 5/16 or 8mm I'll check it tomorrow for the correct size....

[Doug_Scott]

the factory nutserts have a hex on the backside you might get a wrench on it if its the one close to the tailgate handle , could be a 5/16 or 8mm I'll check it tomorrow for the correct size....

 

5/16 is 8mm. 3/8 is real tight on 10mm