Help needed - cant get a bolt back.

[Pete C]

Surely you can just leaver the threaded bit over by sticking a large screwdriver down the hole

This would be my approach - the biggest screwdriver you can fit down there.

Pete

 

[Gsixty]

well it looks like no suggestions will work so drill a large hole in the top bit of metal so it lines up with the threaded bit if the holes to big put a large washer on the bolt

That will be a last resort. I will take the van to a garage see if they can sort it out.

Surely you can just leaver the threaded bit over by sticking a large screwdriver down the hole

This would be my approach - the biggest screwdriver you can fit down there.

Pete

I get what you are trying to say, but as soon as the screwdriver is removed everything goes back to how it is now.

 

[paddy26]

Put the bolt into the hole at an angle. Put the socket and extension on the bolt and use it to lever/wriggle the bolt into upright position. You should be able to start the bolt on the 1st few threads. Just be careful you don't use much force when threading on the bolt.

 

[Bargy62]

That will be a last resort. I will take the van to a garage see if they can sort it out.



I get what you are trying to say, but as soon as the screwdriver is removed everything goes back to how it is now.

Perhaps if you tried some of the suggestions you would not have to take it to a garage if you can get a screwdriver in there and move it a bolt with a tapered end will do the same as the screwdriver and the taper will align the nut underneath
Don't say it wont work because if the nut moves it will work you asked for advise try using it

 

[DXX]

@paddy26 is on the ball, you might need to put a spacer (ie nut or washers) in the base of the socket.
I can’t really see from the photo what the bracket is doing. If it is securing the battery slacken all battery securing bolts and move the battery so the bracket isn’t loaded and mis-aligned.

 

[paddy26]

@paddy26 is on the ball, you might need to put a spacer (ie nut or washers) in the base of the socket.
I can’t really see from the photo what the bracket is doing. If it is securing the battery slacken all battery securing bolts and move the battery so the bracket isn’t loaded and mis-aligned.

I think the threaded part is the fuel filter bracket. And the furthest right bolt is also the fuel filter bracket.
So you could slacken off that bolt, then get the other bolt started and tighten them both.
But what I suggested previously should be enough to get the job done.

 

[Gsixty]

Thanks again for all suggestions.

Put the bolt into the hole at an angle. Put the socket and extension on the bolt and use it to lever/wriggle the bolt into upright position. You should be able to start the bolt on the 1st few threads. Just be careful you don't use much force when threading on the bolt.

I tried this, it damaged the first couple of threads on the bolt, but I couldn't get it to bite.

Perhaps if you tried some of the suggestions you would not have to take it to a garage if you can get a screwdriver in there and move it a bolt with a tapered end will do the same as the screwdriver and the taper will align the nut underneath
Don't say it wont work because if the nut moves it will work you asked for advise try using it

I have tried this, unfortunately I couldn't get it to work.

@paddy26 is on the ball, you might need to put a spacer (ie nut or washers) in the base of the socket.
I can’t really see from the photo what the bracket is doing. If it is securing the battery slacken all battery securing bolts and move the battery so the bracket isn’t loaded and mis-aligned.

The post below is correct, its the fuel filler bracket. The grey bits with the hole in we can see at the top are part of the tray the battery sits on.

I think the threaded part is the fuel filter bracket. And the furthest right bolt is also the fuel filter bracket.
So you could slacken off that bolt, then get the other bolt started and tighten them both.
But what I suggested previously should be enough to get the job done.

I already tried this but releasing the other bolt surprisingly make little or no different (I also took the middle bolt out to try to move the plastic trim out of the way for more room but still no luck).

 

[Gsixty]

In my efforts to get the bolt back I have damaged the thread, so looking for a new part (it seems its not very expesive) but I can find the part number for an older van, but now the correct up to date part. SO help needed for that. As a reference its part 3 in the diagram.

 

[n10n]

Any chance of fixing the threads enough with a tap if you have a kit of these lying around? Probably easier to tap from a rear side as good part of the thread will guide the tap

 

[Bargy62]

if you have to take the bracket off to replace it just re-tap the bolt and save a few quid

 

[Bargy62]

beat me to it

 

[n10n]

Hmm and actually you could on the same go put a little bit longer and more tapered bolts through from the underside and then secure from the top with nuts

 

[Bargy62]

or don't bother taking the bracket off drill the top hole larger and just re-tap it
but you are better as n10n said put the tap in from the undamaged side

 

[Gsixty]

Thanks again for suggestions.
Unfortunately I dont have any taps and have never used one.
If all else fails I am going to take it to am independent transporter specialist on Fri pm and he will tap it for me.