Front Skid Plate Nut Came Loose

[jvorpahl]

Well it looks like the front skid plate nut, the rear nut on the passenger side, the one welded inside the front crossmember came loose. This happened both in 2011 and was fixed under warranty by the dealer. They replaced the whole crossmember just for this but since it was free that was ok by me.


Now the car is past it's bumper to bumper warranty and I really don't want to spend $500+ (didn't get estimate but can imagine the price based on the part) to fix a bolt. Called the dealer and they said they would only fix it properly meaning the way GM recommends which is to replace the crossmember.


Has this happened to anyone else and if so how did you fix it?


Thanks in advance,


- Jason

 

[alrock]

Clarifying - are you talking the crossmember between the aluminum splash shield and the black skid plate, or the crossmember behind the black skid plate? The front crossmember is welded in place, so I don't see that being replaced. I would tap out that hole to a larger diameter bolt, or I would have someone weld a nut to the outside of the crossmember .

If it's the second crossmember , then I would get a new refurbished one from Preferred chassis Fab here on the forum. He addresses those bolt holes and upgrades the bushing at the same time.

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[08H3]

You can also tap it out and use a bolt. Obviously, there isn't going to be a lot of threads there so you can't crank it down, but it will work. You can also drill clear through, cut an angled spacer for the top and use a long bolt and nut. I personally wouldn't go to the expense of a new crossmember just for it, but Alrock's suggestion is valid as well.

 

[Cowboy]

Drill it out. Then take a nut and round over corners. Then thread bolt into nut ( temporarily) and place in new hole. Weld it in. Remove bolt. Viola.


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