s1mpsons

iTrader: (5)

I should have mentioned, the loose stud is at the front of the PPF, not the diff. Is that one supposed to spin freely? How do I fix?

catch-22

iTrader: (2)

the trans part has the same metal plate on top also. Have you tried a non-nylon nut with some locktite?

s1mpsons

iTrader: (5)

Not yet. The stud is sooo loose I thought I should address it before trying to get another nut in there. If I try to remove the entire PPF for purposes of reinforcement, am I likely to find more loose studs throughout?

DaveW

IMO, using Loctite is a very poor "bandaid" fix. Even if you can get the fastener tight, it may work loose again EVEN THOUGH THE NUT IS STILL TIGHT on the stud. And, with a spinning stud, getting it loose the next time will be a bigger problem due to the Loctite.

s1mpsons

iTrader: (5)

Agreed. Any idea where to start in order to cure the spinning stud issue..

DaveW

I am assuming you would rather not pull everything apart to fix it by replacing or welding the stud in place. So:

Looks to me that there may be room for 2 nuts on the stud. So, this is what I would attempt to do:
1. Dremel a shallow screwdriver slot in the end of the stud
2. Put neverseeze on the stud and screw a nut on, tightening the nut while keeping the stud from spinning using the slot
3. Put a 2nd nut on and tighten the 2nd nut to the 1st, while using the slot to keep the stud from turning
4. Using 2 wrenches, tighten the 2 nuts against each other.

If 2 full nuts are too tall, use 1 or 2 jam nuts instead.

s1mpsons

iTrader: (5)

Of course, my one tool I cant seem to find (dremel).

DaveW

Well, you could try it even w/o the slot. With the lubrication of the anti-sieze, and the higher friction of the stud against its mounting surface, it might work anyway. Try it. What do you have to lose?

s1mpsons

iTrader: (5)

What is stopping the stud from falling right out of the car? I wish I could see up there.

DaveW

it probably has a head on it. If you can pull on it and it doesn't pull through, it won't fall out once it's tightened.

s1mpsons

iTrader: (5)

A stud with a head, eh? Sounds like a bolt.

DaveW

It might be... but the fix is the same... :/

puz pounda

iTrader: (9)

dudemaaanownsanrx7-Can you show us some pics? I have a spare PPF and would like to reinforce it

Dudemaaanownsanrx7

iTrader: (23)

I don't have any pics sorry.

t-von

iTrader: (8)

You mean like this?




I'm also try to find my old pics from this thread I made 3 yrs ago.

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/check-out-my-reinforced-ppf-527280/

catch-22

iTrader: (2)

^nice! thanks for sharing need to get around to doing that. What material/gauge did you use.

t-von

iTrader: (8)

1/8" steel! It was only installed for about 6 months up untill I blew the engine later that year. Now it's just collecting dust. LOL!

s1mpsons

iTrader: (5)

Turns out it is a bolt. Go figure. To secure it while tightening the PPF mounting nut was a PITA. The bolt has a 7/8" head (pretty large) and the space above the trans is very limited. I ended up using a 1/2" drive stubby ratchet with an integrated flex head ($10 Harbor Freight including 1/4" and 3/8" drive ratchets too) and a shallow socket 7/8" and reached up and over the trans from the passenger side to hold the bolt, while hitting the locking nut with an impact deep socket. Not sure if I got the full torque, but I am hoping the locking nut is good enough. Better than it was before, at least.