What ho one and all,

Mazda 3, gen 3, 2015 hatchback. At some point in the future, I intend to remove the front bumper to add a front EPS parking sensor. In preparation, I have removed, cleaned and reinstalled with a smear of copper slip the four cross-head bolts. Or that was the plan!!!

My guess is that in ten years of the prior owner, they have never been removed. Three came out with a bit of assistance, no problem; the last is loose but just spins. I have tried some leverage while turning but the thread on the bolt refuses to engage with the hole. Evidently, rust has caused something to happen and I am unable to remove it. The bolt is not sheared, it just turns and as it is turning, I am probably unable to drill it out since there is nothing to prevent it spinning.

So my question, what next? Thanks and toodle pip

 

I did not want to see your post go unanswered. Unfortunately, when this happens there really is only your experience and ingenuity to tackle the job of removing the fastener. Every situation is different and advise may or may not help and many times makes things worse or gets you nowhere. So good luck and I am sure you will figure out the resolve.

 

Thanks for your reply. Guess I will have to grind the head off or perhaps clamp the head and drill. Am surprised that a pretty solid self-tapping screw is held in place by probably less than 1mm of steel. If it is worth using a bolt, it is worth ensuring it is properly fixed.

 

Unless you posted an OEM parts diagram I cant say exactly what fastener you are refer to.

 

It's the rusted self-tapping screw. Four are part of the system that holds the bumper in place.

 

Someone installed that and it is NOT a Mazda fastener? Those are a black oxide universal screw and they will rust if not painted ..
I use those in the same area's at time but paint mine before installing them. They are great for plastic body parts and do not require drilling to use them.

so NOT a MAZDA part!

 

I understand what you mean by it not being a Mazda fastener but there are four on the top, and every video I have watched also shows four. The other three are certainly more black but where also well adhered with rust. I have wire brushed it off and applied copper slip, so hopefully, easy to remove in the future. But this one is a different story.

Given the number of plastic fasteners holding the item in place, I don't understand the need for four steel screws; surely a larger plastic fastener would do the same job?

 

In your own picture next to that screw that was not installed by Mazda is the CORRECT plastic fastener factory installed!

Look we can debate but if Mazda did use that type it would have been coated to prevent rust and it would have had a securing plate on the part it was being used for.
Now don't make me go take more pictures of my fastener supply to show you. LOL

Look someone thought that adding those in that location was to solve some sort of issue plain and simple. This is not rocket science but it is also not an oversight with MAZDA either.



Let me refresh what you said about your "USED" Mazda.
This said you have no idea what small services were done to it like adding self tapping or NON-Mazda fasteners to resolve issues problems and concerns from the previous owners. Nor do you really know all that had done service work on your Mazda either? Be it Mazda or DIY or independent service garage.