Can't get jacking rail bolt back in

[CptSumTingWong]

Just installed BMR jacking rails but the rear most bolt on the passenger side won't go back in. It'll go in about half way and then starts to really get hard to turn like it's cross threaded but only after about the halfway point.

Did some searching and looks like the bolt hole is just used during assembly to hold the chassis and not that important that I can't get it back in? Is this a problem for the jacking rail to only be held on with 3 bolts though? Do I need to re-tap the hole to get the last bolt in?

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[Skye]

Yes, the bolts and holes used at the factory have to do with holding the car while in assembly; they are not needed once the car is built.

Something that might help...On the rail in question, loosen all the bolts, so the rail is just hanging there. Now, try the bolt/hole you're struggling with.

The rails I installed, the bolt holes were pretty close together. Just a tick off, and they'd bind. By starting them all loose, I got them in without issue.

Yes, if you need to, you can re-tap the hole. You could also try one of the other three bolts.

 

[Prodigal]

I used the factory bolts with the flange when I installed mine. Got them all started and alternated tightening up. I should have cut off the seam sealer as mine feel like they aren’t parallel to the ground but I don’t think the area behind the pinch weld where they mount is either (slopes up wards) so I may just leave them alone.

 

[CptSumTingWong]

Yes, the bolts and holes used at the factory have to do with holding the car while in assembly; they are not needed once the car is built.

Something that might help...On the rail in question, loosen all the bolts, so the rail is just hanging there. Now, try the bolt/hole you're struggling with.

The rails I installed, the bolt holes were pretty close together. Just a tick off, and they'd bind. By starting them all loose, I got them in without issue.

Yes, if you need to, you can re-tap the hole. You could also try one of the other three bolts.

Unfortunately I've already tried all those tricks. No luck. Looks like I'll be tapping the hole...

 

[CptSumTingWong]

Would it be safe enough with just the 3 bolts to lift it using the jacking rails so I can get under to tap the last hole? Or should I pull the entire rail off and lift it to tap?

 

[Skye]

I always take my time. I'd pull the rail, double-check and re-tap. Otherwise, it's the one time out of a million something shifts, slips or moves and you end up having a accident because the rail breaks free.

 

[ORRadtech]

I seriously doubt that there would be any safety issues jacking it with the rail as it is. You would, I hope obviously, use jack stands as well if you're getting under the car, right? My concern for leaving it on while chasing the threads would be having to go through the rail and worrying about the alignment of the tap. For that reason I'd take the rail off until I had the threads clean and straight.

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