|
|
|
08-15-2015, 01:23 PM | #1 |
Captain
152
Rep 984
Posts |
How to remove weird screws with no head? (rear diffuser)
Hi all, I'm trying to remove my stock rear diffuser. Seems like everyone's car has six 8mm screws on the bottom but my car has only four 8mm screws and two weird headless screws at each end instead. I havent seen them in any DIY...
So how do I remove these screws? They have no head at all to turn. Looking at the other end of them it seems like there's a center rod that may pop out but no matter how much Ive tried to push it out it wont come out. Any help is appreciated thanks!
__________________
2004E46M36MTCBCinn 'Clubsport'
Last edited by BigRussia; 08-18-2015 at 09:14 AM.. |
08-15-2015, 01:46 PM | #2 |
Major
340
Rep 1,293
Posts |
It looks like a plastic push rivet. You may be able to get a set of pliers on the rod, but I usual push the rod through with a punch tool. If all else fails, drill it out and replace them, or get the 8mm bolts from BMW. I was surprised to find out that those little 8mm bolts are about $2 a piece from the dealer.
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-15-2015, 02:05 PM | #3 |
Captain
152
Rep 984
Posts |
Yeah I thought they were like those too ^ but they don't seem to be.
The rod going through the other side is very thick and short, and the instead of those flaps around it there's these 3 'wings' instead, see the pic below: Also I cant just replace them with 8mm screws cause the bumper doesn't seem to have the metal hole that the other screws go into. This is really frustrating as I'm trying to install my Berk exhaust and currently don't have enough wiggle room to get the stock muffler out of it hangers with the diffuser in the way
__________________
2004E46M36MTCBCinn 'Clubsport'
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-15-2015, 02:29 PM | #4 |
1Addict
3228
Rep 7,889
Posts |
Odd, mine doesn't have those. Could be that you have to cut the head off, and then push it out the other side. Pretty sure mine is just screws all the way across the bottom.
On another note, try using some lubricant on the hangers to loosen them up, they slide off much easier that way. Should be doable to get your exhaust out without messing with the diffuser.
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-15-2015, 02:44 PM | #5 | |
Captain
152
Rep 984
Posts |
Quote:
And I'm struggling right now with the two hangers towards the diffuser, i got the one near the midpipe off no problem. But even soaked in WD40 I cant get either of the rear hangers out, there's just not enough play
__________________
2004E46M36MTCBCinn 'Clubsport'
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-15-2015, 05:42 PM | #6 |
1Addict
3228
Rep 7,889
Posts |
Based on your picture, it were me I'd just get two 8mm screws, and two slip on thread plates, and just cut the pins that are on yours.
You trying to push the rubber off the hanger on the car, or the one on the exhaust itself?
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2015, 01:01 AM | #7 |
Lieutenant
108
Rep 487
Posts |
Hey big Russia, those are called
R lok plastic expansion rivets. (No typo) One time use. As other have suggested, drill or pop them out and replace with 8mm screw and thread plate. Here's a link with some info. http://www.jetpress.com/Products.asp...Rivets-R-Loks/ I hope this helps. |
Appreciate
3
|
08-18-2015, 09:09 AM | #8 | ||
Captain
152
Rep 984
Posts |
Quote:
Quote:
Thanks for the help and info guys! And yeah luckily I was able to finally man up and get the stock exhaust off the hangers without removing the diffuser. Man does this Berk Race exhaust sound good!
__________________
2004E46M36MTCBCinn 'Clubsport'
|
||
Appreciate
0
|
08-27-2015, 12:45 AM | #9 |
Private
9
Rep 69
Posts |
I highly doubt BMW put those one there. More likely if you bought the car used, the previous owner had swapped out the rear diffuser and when putting the stock one back on lost 2 screws/the plate and used the plastic rivets as a temporary means of securing the diffuser.
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|