Running Board Rear Bracket (Bolt Spinning)

[jjcobm]

Hi everyone,

I decided to take off the running boards the other day and i was able to take off everything except one thing....

The left rear bracket will not come off due to the bottom bolt that holds it in. Basically, the best way i can describe it is, it just keeps spinning. It seems that the thread (i'm guessing it's a nut) that it runs through has somehow came loose. Now I am stumped as i have no idea on how to get access to the backside of the nut (if it is one) in order to prevent it from spinning while i try to remove the bolt that holds the bracket it.

I did think about cutting the head of the bolt off, while that will help me remove the bracket, i am afraid that the bolt will just fall into the body later on (since the nut that holds it in place is also loose) and will cause some rattling issues later on.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Jacques Villeneuve]

I just took mine off last week. The upper bolt at the rear is a bugger to get out because of the nearness of the body mount.
The lower one is easier to get at.
How about putting a pry bar under the flange of the bolt head and apply outward force as you ratchet it out?

 

[trainrech]

From what it sounds, you'll either end up with a formerly welded nut, or a nut with the remnants of a bolt in an area you can't get to. I'd try an impact to see if you can get something to bite. Try the grinder next if that doesn't work.

 

[jjcobm]

I was afriad of this....

I have already tried to apply pressure with a prybar while using an impact and also rachet by hand...

I was afraid of it coming to the grinder.... So there is no way of getting access to the nut? How the did they weld it on in the first place!!??

 

[Jacques Villeneuve]

The nut is inside the rocker panel, welded in place by the incredible shrinking man.

Put needle nose vice grips on the threaded part and see if you can cut off the head with a Dremel tool cutter wheel (small enough to get into the narrow space in the bracket). Let the nut and the remainder of the bolt fall into the hole and forget about it.

 

[Bikeman]

The bolt is rusted to a captured nut inside the flare. I had to us a sawzall. Then the nut can be removed.

 

[jjcobm]

Shrinking man huh? He needs to pay me a visit then

i really don't have access to the threads on the bolt, it's just loose enough that the bracket can spin freely. But i know i can cut that sucker out giving it a few tries

I did notice that as i apply pressure and try to remove with an impact or by rachet, that the nut is actually grinding on the rocker. (I think, correct me if this is not possible)

what would you guys suggest about letting the nut grind through the rocker, if it is possible the metal is thin enough to allow this. my fear of this would be that later down the road moisture will sit in the widen hole and rust will start to grow?

I think this will probably be the route i want to take as i don't want that nut moving around the rocker making noises.

Thanks for the responses.

 

[jjcobm]

The bolt is rusted to a captured nut inside the flare. I had to us a sawzall. Then the nut can be removed.

Bikeman, can you explain the procedure for this. I have no idea what a sawzall is. Enlighten me

Thanks.

 

[Jacques Villeneuve]

i don't want that nut moving around the rocker making noises.

Thanks for the responses.

Pour some waterproof glue into the hole after it falls in. Even if it breaks loose, you won't hear it unless you drive with a stethoscope placed on the rocker.

 

[Jacques Villeneuve]

what would you guys suggest about letting the nut grind through the rocker,.

Sure. By the time you are done, the Vikings will have won six Super Bowls.

 

[jjcobm]

Vikings? Hahaha yeah like that will ever happen!

Well, thanks for all the suggestions, I guess I was too worried about weird noises with that nut, but i will see if i can get the sucker out again now that i'm not too worried about it and will report back with the results.

Thanks Jacques and everyone else!

 

[jjcobm]

Finally!

I got the dreaded beast out!!!!

Well... basically all i needed to do was beat the braket with a BFRM (Rubber Mallet) this way if there was any chance i miseed i woudln't be in danger of putting a dent in the body. 5 wacks and off came the braket and the head of the bolt came off with it.

Hope this helps someone in the future!