Mk5 Golf Gti Boot Strut Problem!

[MMH664]

Hi there,

My first post, it looks like a good forum! I have just bought an 05 plate Mk5 Gti, and need some help!

Last weekend, I opened the boot. The right hand strut ripped itself out of the body! The bolt with a ball on the end, onto which the strut fits litteraly ripped out! See this pic (sorry if it's a bit big, but wanted to show the detail):


I took it to a garage today. They said they couldn't get any access behind the panel, to secure the bolt with a nut. The didn't want to weld it, in case it damaged the paint (also it wouldn't look very neat).

I've searched around on the net, and I've found two other people with the same problem, but I can't seem to find any solutions.

Any thoughts?

If not, the next step I'll try a main dealer I guess.

Thanks,

Alex

[bacillus]

Assuming that the end screws into the body panel then the only solution I can think of is to install a nutsert/rivnut that the strut can screw into. You may have to enlarge the original hole by drilling to accept the nutsert.
This is how the nutsert works without having to go behind the panel.

[MMH664]

Thank you, that's a very helpful reply. I might speak to the garage again and see if they have one, but I'm also very tempted to get the tool and give it a go myself!

[bacillus]

Thank you, that's a very helpful reply. I might speak to the garage again and see if they have one, but I'm also very tempted to get the tool and give it a go myself!

You don't actually have to use that particular tool as you can improvise your own.
This is what E30Dom used on another application. http://www.r32oc.com/topic/15208-just-fitted-my-unibrace/#entry166560

[richyc]

MMH664, did you fix this problem? It has happened to my GTi!

[Flyingscotsman]

I have this problem with the strut mount nut lost inside bodywork.
Has anyone resolved this with a rivnut or other method.
Rivnut looks like good solution but I can see access issues for a drill if hole needs enlarging.
Thanks !

[Rado16v]

Wow, a 10 year old thread.

I've just had this happen to my cat, same side. I've seen a few posts about the rivnut but some people have said it's only a temp fix.

Anyone found a better solution? Maybe welding of a nut?

Cheers

[pudding]

Is there actually a captive nut behind there?  The metalwork looks kinda reinforced enough to be tapped in that area, which could be why this problem happens....it's not man enough!

But yeah, a rivnut is the least invasive fix unfortunately, but I'm not a fan of them personally.

[Flyingscotsman]

I used the Rivnut method and it has held good (touch wood) for last 5 years.  I'd advise getting a few different sizes of Rivnut to see which fits best.

To answer Pudding's question - there is a not-very-captive nut behind that easily gets dislodged. 

[probedb]

Rivnutted mine, same issue, same side. Just don't use too much force when you drill or you'll feel like a muppet when you make a lump in the bodywork...not that I did that or anything 

[Rado16v]

Thanks guys, I'll look into the rivnut method in that case.

I don't have the tool so may just use the bolt and nut method. Does anyone recall the size of anchor bolt thread?

[LC5F]

Cant help with the thread size

But recommend stainless riv-nuts - the beauty of riv-nuts is if they get wobbly, you just drill it out and replace, stainless means it wont rust when they fall down into the bodywork.

[Rado16v]

Good tip, cheers.

[Flyingscotsman]

Thanks guys, I'll look into the rivnut method in that case.

I don't have the tool so may just use the bolt and nut method. Does anyone recall the size of anchor bolt thread?

I used M6 thread rivnut.

[Rado16v]

I used M6 thread rivnut.

Great, thank you.