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Hi,
2014 infiniti q60s, low millage. Passenger side fog light is filling with water and leaving a brownish residue.
i have a couple options before i can get to the fogs: remove the bumper or access from wheel well after removing a white tank in the way.
Both options involve removing the underside 10mm bolts holding the front bumper which are rusted. They are on the bottom side and if I grind em, I may sratch the paint on the bottom. I tried those bolts designed to grab at stuck bolts but it simply rounded it. These bolts are held in with a clip preventing me from removing the plastic wheel well cover and the bumper itself. I also tried vise grips after spraying liquid wrench, the bolt turns along with the clip. If I force it, it will rip the plastic
any advice for these bolts?
New 10mm bolts and clips are purchased.
Yup, they suck. You'll have to get something in to hold the clips while you turn the bolt. It aint easy.
Try PB Blaster and really soak them good and let them sit overnight. I have heard of a solution of PB blaster and ATF works well to penetrate, too. Do some research before you try that.
New clips are a good idea, if you dont mess up the plastic undertray getting the old ones out. If you are lucky enough to not do major damage, be sure to use anti-seize when installing the new bolts/clips.
If you cannot save the plastic undertray, Z1 sells a metal unit that fits great and doesnt droop down under the car. They are pretty reasonably priced, too. Make sure you understand there are different units depending on the type of car you have (sedan, coupe, AWD, etc).
Buy new bolts before you start this. Preferably stainless or coated, even the cheap aluminum dress up bolts will work
Take some penetrant and spray from the engine bay to get the threads soaked.
Use a L type metal tool (allen wrench, OWL) some sort of bar that you can slide through the side via the side of the car and lock the clip from moving.
Use a new(ish) 10mm socket and start rocking the bolt until it cooperates.
Take the clips afterwards and use those same bolts and run them through to clean the threads.
In my experience I went shopping at the Junk yard and pulled as many new ones (silver) as I could being that you are in a rusty area you might not have this much luck.
Dont forget to spray some lubricant or grease on the clips to help keep the clips from doing this again.
Whenever there's reason for me to remove the undertray, I always soak the hardware in a cup with penetrating oil. Seems to have made a difference, never had a frozen bolt. However, SS replacements would be a great idea. I wonder who makes them?
[edit]
The answer is everybody, LOL. This seems like a good kit... stainless steel, serrated flange heads, washers and various sizes: