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How to Remove and Install Fender Liner Bolts?


norbury.brook

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Greetings, everyone.

I am attempting to repair the corroded and unsightly fender liner bolts on my 2008 Audi R8. However, I am encountering difficulties in both removing the old bolts and properly fastening the new ones in their place. Is there a prescribed or particular method I should be using to do this task? Attempting to extract the corroded object, it continues to rotate. I am unable to fully insert the top bolt as it consistently fails to thread completely. Assistance would be much appreciated. Consistently the simple matters.... haha. There seems to be a fastener located between the painted body panel and the fender.

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I would remove the liner and inspect the bolt attachment locations. You may need to substitute some metallic fasteners on the liner to which the bolts are threaded. I suspect that the top bolt is not completely lined with the outermost edge of the clip. Exercise caution to avoid damaging the rivnuts that are affixed to the body while handling them.

I have replaced the majority of the liner and under tray bolts with titanium ones, since the current OEM bolts are prone to rusting quickly. By the way, such bolts have a size of M6x20 mm with a T30 head. I have used black titanium bolts with a head width of 16 mm. These bolts can be acquired for around $3 per unit from online marketplaces such as eBay and Aliexpress.

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I encountered the same problem. Usually, when a bolt spins without unscrewing, it indicates that the bolt has been stuck in the spire nut. If the distance between them and the target is sufficient, the optimal course of action would be to meticulously sever the head. If not, firmly grasp the head with a pair of locking pliers and use a sharp drill to bore through the middle till the head detaches.
I purchased fresh spire nuts and applied copper grease to the new bolts being inserted.
If the screw cannot be properly tightened, you should replace the spire nut or clean the threads of the rivnut using an M6 tap.
Although not enjoyable, the task is well worthwhile 👍

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Yesterday, I had a problem when attempting to remove my front bumper in order to install a new grill. However, I had to abandon the task since all of the screws beneath were heavily corroded with rust. I successfully loosened them, however subsequently, the rivet located behind started rotating together with the screw.

I would want to circumvent the need for cutting through the liner, but I am uncertain whether there exists an alternative method to get access to the other end.

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To remove the bolts, it may be necessary to either sever the heads or bore through them. Obtaining replacement spire nuts is rather simple. Fasteners that are secured within rivnuts often remain intact since the threading is shielded from external factors.

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