Exhaust bracket bolt came loose today.

[Guest]

I set off for a drive this morning, nothing major, just something to wake me up before getting stuck into the U11 rugby training. But from the moment I set off there was a new rattle and I put it down to something in the boot. After 20 miles or so I looked down at the exhaust to find the exhaust bracket bolt had come out of the car completely. Luckily the bolt and spring washer were still in the bracket.

 

So off came the bonnet, out of the engine bay came my wifes tuberware box with my spanners and in a couple of minutes all was tightened up again.

 

When I got back home I took the bolt out and put some threadlock on it. It is not a bolt I put threadlock on when I built the car but I am wondering now if I should have and if any others should have had threadlock. I did the ones where the manual said to, e.g. the diff to prop plate but I didn't do everybolt.

 

The car has done just over 2000 miles and at ~700 miles I did get underneath and check the bolts.

 

Thanks to all those especially the LADS who recommended a basic tool kit in the engine.

 

I guess it shows the importance of checking these things.

[Jonathan Kay]

What sort of washer was that?

 

Jonathan

[Stationary M25 Traveller]

If the bolt is too long, it may contact the end of the rivnut or far side of chassis tube before it is tight. Worth checking this.

[Guest]

Thank you SM25T, It looked and felt like it had pulled the bracket onto the side of the car but I will check at the weekend.

[Stationary M25 Traveller]

It was the case on my centre bracket. Easily fixed.