Boot latch - word of warning

[Cupranation]

I needed to adjust the boot latch to solve a rattling boot lid problem, got half way there by adjusting the rubber stops on either side but concluded that the catch also needed a bit of adjustment.

Anyway note that the star bolts that hold the latch are a) very very tight and b) the star heads seem to be very soft.

I had a good quality set of star fittings for my ratchet set but have still managed to round one of the star bolts trying to loosen it.

So now I an guessing I need to drill it out and replace the star bolt before I can adjust the catch.

Take care if you need to loosen the latch bolts, I now envisage a long job for a couple of mm adjustment!

Begining to wish I hadn't bothered............

 

[Nath.]

OH DEER, Happy drilling.

At least you know that the bolt is soft so drilling shoild be easy.

 

[ares]

If you have space to use an angle grinder, get an inox cutter disc (it's thin) and make a cut so to use a large flat head screwdriver to losen it. I've done it several times in similar cases.

 

[n_d_fox]

or maybe a junior hacksaw or dremmel ?

 

[MUFFIN]

If you have space to use an angle grinder, get an inox cutter disc (it's thin) and make a cut so to use a large flat head screwdriver to losen it. I've done it several times in similar cases.

ANGLE GRINDER

 

[ares]

or maybe a junior hacksaw or dremmel ?

That too - it depends on how much space you have or what is near where you want to do the cut.

 

[Cupranation]

One of the issues is that the bolt is shaped and the hole in the boot latch is counersunk so that the bolt fits almost flush to the catch. Take a look at it on your cars, really don't think that you could do it with either a hacksaw or an angle grinder without damaging the boot latch.

Knowing my luck I'll slip with the angle grinder and the next stop will be the local body shop lol!

 

[Marshall]

Why not get a centre punch and tap the bolt slck with hammer and punch? Just an idea