Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

Need some help on a problem we caused: Unfortunately we have a galled front inner seat bolt that has broken away the hidden corresponding nut. Looks like we will have to use a cut off wheel to get the head of the bolt off and then figure what to do so the loose nut doesn't rattle around in the closed channel under the seat and come up with replacement fastening.

So the seat is in place, the bolt is 90% tightened. The "nut" hidden inside the square tube or channel below the seat has broken free so the bolt cannot be tightened or loosened. We do not have good access for a normal cut off wheel. Looks like a diamond dremel wheel would work to cut the bolt head off if we work at it slowly. We can then get the seat off again. That will leave the nut end to rattle around in the tube or channel and no way to secure the front inner side of the seat.

To remove the nut maybe we can drill a large access hole in the top of square channel and lift the nut and bolt section out. We do not have access to welding equipment to secure a new nut. What do you all think about a "Blind Insert Rivet Nut Rivnut"? We could probable rent the needed tool.

Comments, experience and other suggestions?

Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

If h can see the bolt down I the hole. Mix up epoxy and pour it on top

Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

Here's a crazy idea: drill a small hole right next to the bolt head, the intention being to hit the hidden nut below. Tap the hole, run a screw into it. This doesn't have to be big, just big enough to hold the inner nut in place while you:

• Carefully cut the head off the seat bolt
• Drill out or otherwise extract the remaining bolt shaft

After that you could cut a slot wide enough to extract the old hidden nut. The idea of a slot would be to leave material behind for a rivnut to grab onto. Maybe slide a washer in there if it's possible while clamping the rivnut into place.

Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

Explain a rivnut. I work in Hardware and I don't no what that is exactly.
I was able to cut mine off using a dermel and the black thin steel cut off wheel. I thought I would need many wheels but one cut through no problem without any noticeable wear. I just wedged a screwdriver under the head to hold it still. Yea the nut fell in and I did what I suggested to you. Right now no bolt in that bracket. Seat is very secure with 4 bolts . Will try later to cure the problem, maybe When I hook the heated seat control up .
Ok just googled it. I see largest is 1/4 - 20. The old bolt is more like a 12mm . Or 3/8"-18

Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

This is what Gwynethh is referring to. Thers are a couple of ways they install, both with specialized tools and ordinary hand tools.

Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

Ok here lies the problem. We need a rivnut bigger than 10mm. How big can we get. . Looks like 5/16 or 11 mm where do u get yours

Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

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Assortment

https://www.amazon.com/100pcs-Steel-...ut+inserts+m10


12mm

https://www.amazon.com/uxcell%C2%AE-...ut+inserts+m10


1/4"

https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-20Pcs-...serts+1%2F4%22


5/8"

https://www.amazon.com/20Pcs-Steel-R...serts+5%2F8%22

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Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

I ordered 10mm aluminium ones. OD about .400 . Fig I can instal easier using the screw and nut method. The tool is like $100

Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

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You can make a rivnut tool using very inexpensive pieces of hardware you may already have.







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Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

Great ideas. Thanx so much.

Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

Gwyne , Did you want one or a few when I get them ?

Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

Two would be plenty. One for trial and one to install. Thanx.

Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

This tool looks good for the tight location next to the seat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA9fB3asSZU

Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

Found a local source of steel M10 rivnuts so picked up 2 and the fasteners needed to install it. Photos show installation and the spare rivnut. Easy installation. Looks to be square with the metal it goes into.

Re: Seat bolt problem and help needed
 

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Glad it all worked out. Isn't technology grand?

On a similar note, one of the best tools ever designed was the Dremel. I have a heavy-duty one with A 36" flexible shaft which gets everywhere. Makes cutting and polishing effortless.

http://mdm.boschwebservices.com/file...0r20006v15.jpg

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