Another diffuser removal question!!!

[Gusgus]

Hey guys

I’ve seen all the other threads about this issue regarding seized bolts on diffusers - I’m wanting to remove the diffuser to paint it but the nuts nearer the middle of the car are definitely seized (look like something on the titanic wreck) the others near the back bumper came out ok.
My question is before I start on these bolts near of the middle of the car is: once these have inevitably sheared off, is there a workaround to easily fix the diffuser back up or is it definitely a welding job? I’m not wanting to make more trouble than it’s worth and get into expensive fixes

Cheers in advance

 

[Doogle]

Those bolts are mounted to a few flimsy mounts, if you snap them off they could be drilled out. What I would say is spray some lubricant and if you have access to a decent impact gun it might stop them shearing.

 

[Dumdum]

Those bolts are mounted to a few flimsy mounts, if you snap them off they could be drilled out. What I would say is spray some lubricant and if you have access to a decent impact gun it might stop them shearing.

Impact gun will shear them, far better to see if they move.... if not cable ties fix anything back together no feel with an impact gun!

Penetrating fluid soak for a day is ideal! Spray em every two hrs and if there’s any chance they will eventually come loose!

 

[Gusgus]

By the looks of it (and from other threads) these nuts are on protruding threads attached to the subframe- on mine there isn’t even thread anymore just a ton of rust.... I think they are beyond soaking etc.... so I guess i just snap them off and get someone to reweld some threads back on?

 

[turkie172]

Then try the bolts that hold the diffuser bracket to the car and remove the diffuser with the brackets attached so you can work on them easier. I've never looked closely at the bracket to see if it's metal or plastic but if it sheers then grind the bolt flush then drill a hole drop a bolt down through and if its metal tack weld the bolt head on the back face so it does not turn when fitting the nut and use copper grease on the threads so they don't corrode. To remove be careful and wire brush the threads so the exposed threads are clear of rust and dirt WD40 several times before working on it and give time to seep in, work the nut tight then loose a bit at a time and keep adding WD40

 

[Gusgus]

Thanks for all the info guys, I’ll do my best with cleaning up the thread- the drilling and new bolt sounds like the best plan to me.... I’ll attack this after I’ve blowtorched the final Brembo locking pin out this morning !

 

[turkie172]

cut the pin and use the fresh cut face to drive it out from the inside out. You need from memory a 4mm punch to fit through the hole when you cut the pin then your only fighting one side at a time.

 

[Gusgus]

That’s how I did seven of them- i used an angle grinder to create a flat face on the pin to get grip with mike grips and worked them out.
The final one is totally seized think I’ll need to drill it out without destroying the eyelet.... any advice appreciated!

 

[Gusgus]

Mole grips not mike grips!

 

[adam thomas]

mine have both snapped and until I get around to drilling and re tapping them I have cable tied it , they're about 2 months in now and no problems lol

 

[Jools]

Plenty of plus gas I tried for ages with big socket set and it wouldn’t budge,booked in with a local Clio specialist (the Clio man) and told him they might need to snapped and rewelded but he got his impact driver on them and came straight off with no problems

 

[930Tech]

One of mine snapped the last time I removed my diffuser, the brackets that hold these, not at all flimsy I'd say very over engineered came off the car easy enough (2 bolts IIRC ) and after drilling out the old thread a new bolt was easily welded back in place.
If you don't have a welder I'd say it would be easy to just put a nut and bolt in there after drilling out the old one leaving the thread exposed allowing you to put another nut on when you refit the diffuser.

 

[Darren Moss]

Did mine friday both 13mm snapped whipped brkts off and just ground welds off re-captivate some new 13MM bolts and job done

 

[lewishunter98]

Mine looked shot. Sprayed em down with some plus gas and managed to eventually crack them with the socket wrench. No issues