Threaded inserts spinning in plastic

[drewvdw]

Hi all, I've got a problem, I was going to get started replacing the timing belt in my Subaru, but some of the bolts have spun the threaded inserts they are bolted in to. Obviously the inner plastic cover will need to be replaced ($30 from the dealership, no biggie) but I need to save the outer cover which is rather expensive (why, I don't know, they're both about the same size). I don't really have access to the back of all of the bolts, I was thinking of using some vise grips or pliers or something to crush the plastic around the inserts, but I can't get to them. I can't grind the heads off the bolts because I'll melt the plastic timing cover. I don't have room for a drill (even my right angle drill is too large without a drill bit). Have you guys got any ideas? Or am I kinda SOL? If I have to order the outer timing cover too, I'll do it, I just really don't want to. I'm already spending way too much on it.

Thanks guys!

 

[LXCam]

Can you drill into the side of them with a 1/8" drill bit just enough to hold the insert and keep it from spinning. I understand you don't have much room but you'd be surprised just how flexible a 1/8" drill or smaller a foot long can be. Also if you go that rout try to get some master blaster on the bolts to help loosen up the thread issue.

 

[drewvdw]

I'll give that a shot. I'll have to reassemble and get parts ordered first as my car is at the dealership I work at and they don't want it sitting around for too long.

Anyone else have ideas?

 

[dutchgray]

Since you're replacing the inner cover already, destroy that around the fixings to get the outer cover free then you can cut away the plastic to get to the bolts, provided you can access the locations.
You can grind the heads without melting the plastic, you just have to grind for a couple seconds only and then leave it alone long enough for it to cool properly, takes ages though. Carbide burs on a die grinder will cut much more metal with less heat generation.

 

[SnapOnAddiction]

If you can pry on the cover and put some pressure on the inserts the bolts might come out ,or pry the whole insert out of the inside and epoxy them back.

I had the same issues many of times all you can do it put pressure on them and work them slowly.

If that don't work youhave to use the pry bar and just rip it off tearing the inserts out.

Go to a junk yard for parts. GL

 

[frankthezapper]

Perhaps a hole saw around the outside of the insert...but , no, you can't get a drill with hole saw in there!! Holesaw turned by hand? Bolt held in rotation by wrench, then insert driven off with cold chisel on the rim( if you can get to the rim )

 

[WittHay]

Might try a 7" straight jaw Vise-Grip and clamp on the bolt. Hold down on the plastic piece, while pulling and twisting on the Vise-Grip