PSA: Loose wingnuts in rear arches

[cvx5832LC]

Cleaning the LC today and chanced upon loose (untightened) plastic wingnuts on both rear arches. These are the ones that hold the insulation in place. All nuts on both sides were not secure, although none were missing. I suspect the insulation taking a set, or not being tightened properly at the factory, which is not likely. I've also posted my option sheet. If this is a case of something that had to come off when my vehicle went through port-installed options, I can't see it.

Tip: If yours ends up being loose as well, don't forget the ones closer to the lip (x4) as they're hidden from view. No tools needed. "Finger-tight" was the only spec I used.

 

[JJP]

Thanks for the info. Checked our FE and found the same condition - Hand tightened and will keep an eye on it.

 

[EOD Guy]

Thanks! I'll have to check that out! If you find they loosen up again, I'd suggest putting a dab of RTV at the bottom of the stud (closest to the body) then tighten the plastic nut. That should keep the nut from rotating and easily overcome if you ever need to remove them later on.

 

[qberg]

Did you try to back one off to see if there is a retainer mechanism built into the nut/stud? It is possible that those nuts aren't designed to create clamping force on the fabric liner. They just need to be in place to keep the liner in place -- much like a push pin style retainer clip.

 

[trek805]

I used an impact tool. Worked great! thanks

 

[handy]

All mine were loose and one of them may be stripped because it just turns and turns.

 

[EOD Guy]

Mine were loose as well.

 

[cvx5832LC]

Did you try to back one off to see if there is a retainer mechanism built into the nut/stud? It is possible that those nuts aren't designed to create clamping force on the fabric liner. They just need to be in place to keep the liner in place -- much like a push pin style retainer clip.

It's a plastic nut designed to be slipped on (more like ratchets on; you can kinda see the mechanism in the third pic), then tightened by hand or using the tool that pushed it in, but that didn't appear to happen. I do think it is a tightened fastener as there's no retainer, and they would have fallen off eventually as I spun one off with a flick of my finger.

 

[Pepco]

Mine are loose also, Im wondering if they are meant to be loose so there is a little movement for the liner?

 

[cvx5832LC]

Mine are loose also, Im wondering if they are meant to be loose so there is a little movement for the liner?

Doesn't look to be that way, since I don't see any function to the insulation being loose, or a benefit to the insulation from being light fastened. Just checked mine and they've already backed out, which tells me there's just not enough friction to keep that plastic nut from spinning on the painted stud.

Not a show stopper, but I am trying to avoid that insulation from eventually coming loose completely and wrapping itself around the wheel assembly. Might try the rtv solution suggested here.

 

[McCloud_Rainbow]

Thanks for the tip. Mine were loose and now they are all tightened up.