Removing radiator problem...

[marandali]

...the bolts that hold the radiator undertray just spin around and don't come out! And we can't get at the other end to hold the nut still.
Has anyone had (and overcome) this problem before?

Cheer all,

Mark

[kevtherev]

...the bolts that hold the radiator undertray

Never heard of that, there's a mount though... click the image to enlarge

[marandali]

ahhh.... that diagram is a massive help. thanks! (my attempt at explaining wasn't very good)
It's the number 12 bolts that just spin and won't come out.

[kevtherev]

there's a spire clip behind there
if it's spinning then it's shagged

try and tug or lever the bolt out

[marandali]

we did try a bit of brute force, but they still won't budge.
I don't really know - but I'm guessing the best bet now would be to take our van to a garage and get them to grind the bolts off??

really apreciate all your feedback by the way

[kevtherev]

OK this is what's stopping you getting the bolt out
It clips around the flange
the clip bit rusts off leaving the back to spin

[shanco73]

Get yerself a grinder essential in any toolkit !!!

[billy739]

probably better drilling the bolt heads as may not get access with a grinder due to the shape of the bracket

sometimes you can get some locking pliers(long nose mole/vice grips) to clamp the spire clip thoough the hole so you can undoo thebolt.

[marandali]

cheer. might try drilling them out then....

does anyone know where I can buy a new bolt, washer and spire cap from? (for when I've managed to get the old one off)
it's numbers 11,12 and 13 on that vagcat diagram that I'll need.... x2.
I've just been to GSF and they don't have them... Kev - if I register with vagcat online, will I be able to get them from there?

cheers all

[kevtherev]

You can have them for free from me is it a 13mm socket head?

tell me the legnth of bolt and I can get you one posted with the clip.. just get the bugger out first

[ermie571]

dunno if this helps, but was in our Aldi today - they have a set of 3 mole grip - a stumpy one, one with long nose, and a standard size one - all for a penny shy of £6.

Em
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