Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: jjleonard on 10 April 2009, 13:56:07

Title: dropped a bolt in the subframe, I think.
Post by: jjleonard on 10 April 2009, 13:56:07

whilst sorting out my passenger side wishbone - see this thread:

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1239362963

I managed to get the rear bush into place, then, when trying to locate the bolt from above, it slipped from my fingers and I think I've dropped it into the subframe.

Does anybody have any tips for: a - locating it, and b - getting it out?

This would happen to me on a good friday! not so good, really.  :'(

Title: Re: dropped a bolt in the subframe, I think.
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 10 April 2009, 14:42:30

Magne on a flexi extension......you want it out or it will rattle like buggery!

Title: Re: dropped a bolt in the subframe, I think.
Post by: jjleonard on 10 April 2009, 18:20:39

Quote

Magne on a flexi extension......you want it out or it will rattle like buggery!

Cheers Mark - tried that for an hour and can't find it. Funnily enough it doesn't rattle in the subframe when I whack it with a rubber mallet - i'm breaked if I know where it is.

Getting another bolt and a can of expanding foam tomorrow - that'll sort the (potential) rattle out, at least!

Title: Re: dropped a bolt in the subframe, I think.
Post by: Agemo on 10 April 2009, 19:51:02

Hmm, not too sure about the foam idea, It will seal the box section & the rust bug would turn into a Mutant Alien & burst out of the subframe, John Hurt style!  :o OK I think I am getting carried away but you see my point.

Title: Re: dropped a bolt in the subframe, I think.
Post by: feeutfo on 10 April 2009, 20:07:17

Quote

Hmm, not too sure about the foam idea, It will seal the box section & the rust bug would turn into a Mutant Alien & burst out of the subframe, John Hurt style!  :o OK I think I am getting carried away but you see my point.

Working from memory theres a few other holes in the subframe, if so i wouldnt worry too much. The other side is open anyway.

Maybe wack the sub frame with a hammer. The shock should get it rattling. But i wonder if its wedged it the bend at the bottom. Again, working from memory, will the bolt make it round the bend? Or get stuck half way if you know what i mean?

Title: Re: dropped a bolt in the subframe, I think.
Post by: Agemo on 10 April 2009, 23:55:37

Thanks Chris, no worries there then. I have a magnet on a bit of wire, used it many times.

Title: Re: dropped a bolt in the subframe, I think.
Post by: jjleonard on 11 April 2009, 11:46:13

Quote

Quote

Hmm, not too sure about the foam idea, It will seal the box section & the rust bug would turn into a Mutant Alien & burst out of the subframe, John Hurt style!  :o OK I think I am getting carried away but you see my point.

Working from memory theres a few other holes in the subframe, if so i wouldnt worry too much. The other side is open anyway.

Maybe wack the sub frame with a hammer. The shock should get it rattling. But i wonder if its wedged it the bend at the bottom. Again, working from memory, will the bolt make it round the bend? Or get stuck half way if you know what i mean?

Chris - I think you're right. The bolt appears to be wedged somewhere - whacking the subframe with a rubber mallet produces no rattling at all, so I'm guessing it's fallen down the subframe under the engine. It's a great big bolt - M14 x 77mm - so I can't understand where it's gone.

I'll only apply the foam if I hear a rattling once the car is back together - but my interest in doing so is waning as it's raining outside, and my local VX dealer has the replacement bolts on order. (thought I'd go ahead and replace all the bolts whilst I'm at it).

i'm working on the drivers side wishbone at the moment - but in this rain it may have to wait a few days....  >:(