Steering column mount bolt

[diggs00]

Ok in removing my steering column, I had all the bolts off but one. One of the two bolts located just inside the dash panel would just spin with the nut attached. The other bolt came out easily.

As you can see in photo below, the hole where this spinning bolt and nut came out of looks to be larger than the other.
Was this from the factory? Previous owner? or I just ripped the weld nut out?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jv4y9zWlAQwpZsZz1CpPbsD4pXipzvAE/view?usp=sharing


Here is the bolt and nut pics:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b8OSpz2d_ChXGinyZeWYdhbEYhjBW0s6/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JDV3CZ1yLLYAgb1T2Hv_D45wuNi_-z8i/view?usp=sharing


This is a tight spot, I cant see how I could weld another nut without taking the dash apart. thoughts?

Thank you

 

[Jfryjfry]

Looks like the captured nut escaped. Either just tighten it down with a wrench on the nut and bolt (maybe use a locking nut), or, short of tearing everything apart like you said, you could cut 3-4 smaller slots on the sides of the hole, put the nut in position and weld it in place through the little slots. This way you don’t weld the threads. I would thread a sacrificial long bolt in there when welding. It would let you use the bolt to keep the nut in position and the bolt would keep the threads from getting damaged. You’d just need to make sure you don’t accidentally weld the bolt to the nut. But even if it gets hit a little, just forcefully unscrew the bolt and it should break free and leave the threads ok.

 

[DirtDonk]

Looks like the old welded-in nut has just failed. Couple of ways to fix that I think.
Is there access to the inside of that panel from either side? Or are there obstructions? Just wondering if you could drill and thread a piece of steel and make your own nut-plate and slip it in. For even more strength, you could weld the nut to the plate.
Then slip it in to line up with the hole in the bracket.
The plate would keep it from spinning so you don't have to hold it, and you could even add a little silicone sealer or epoxy to locate the plate from shifting sideways, or up while you're feeding in the bolt.

I was thinking of other angles on that, but realized that making some other fixture to hold the nut in place while you attach the column would be difficult because of access once the column and clamp are in place. Hard enough even without them!

Anyway, think about the plate method, or even just a "nut-on-a-stick" type thing that you can hold in place while tightening the bolt.

Good luck.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

I think the access holes to re-weld it in is a good idea. Was thinking of some kind of slot next to the nut, but wasn't sure how that would work. But all you really need is one good tack weld to hold it in place well enough to tighten.

Paul

 

[904Bronco]

Found this picture... You can zoom in some on the bracket in question.

The weld nut failed and came out/off

There is access but you will need to pull the dash if you want to weld in a replacement...

The other option is to fish a nut in there and start it on the bolt and call it good.

 

[diggs00]

Awesome thanks guys, I think i will try to use a weld nut

just purchased here:
https://www.mcmaster.com/98001A140