[StradaRedlands]

Can you clean the threads out with a cleaner/chaser bolt? Maybe that would do it???

[Bims328i]

I think for tap you just need to find the bolt size / thread pitch and get the right metric one. For eaxmple M10 x 1.50 is 1.50 thread pitch. You probably at the point I was before I broke the oil pump chain guide. Sorry it is giving you issues. Are we sure it is the correct bolt? That is really strange having issues after hand threading it.

I was having issues getting the motor mount bolts out so I just said fk it and left them there for now. They seemed to keep getting bound up and was already way behind on the job.

Maybe it is not in the correct groove and is essentially bottoming out in terms of play. Not sure. Hope you get it resolved!

[Kenneykickin]

Originally Posted by tip_m

Are you able to remove it? If so can find the right thread size but the top picture seems to show it go in off centered. Are you positive this is the right length bolt as it sounded like you had some leftovers and maybe some got mixed up.

For future reference you don’t need to take that bolt out, as I mentioned the shaft extended a fair amount. Both times I’ve done this hideous job I didn’t tough the shaft at all and one of those involved removing the subframe completely.

Yeah lesson learned hard way. I originally didn’t want to remove it but was having difficulty getting pan out earlier on.

I’m positive it’s the right bolts as i bought it from fcp euro (steering shaft bolt) came in the n54 oil pan gasket kit. Yes I could remove it. This is my 2nd attempt on threading it in and same scerio as the first thread in. Brand new bolt.

[Kenneykickin]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Can you clean the threads out with a cleaner/chaser bolt? Maybe that would do it???

Do you know what size chaser / tap it is?

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by Kenneykickin

It’s got be cross threaded forsure. Not sure how it happened after going in smooth as long as it did… it shouldn’t be that hard to get flush. Screwed now. I have no idea what to do. No experience with taps or even what size I would need.

Sorry to hear your story. This is why I rather pay and save headaches. Good luck 👍

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Kenneykickin

Do you know what size chaser / tap it is?

I don't... guessing M6X1?

[Leucosticte]

Originally Posted by Kenneykickin

Do you know what size chaser / tap it is?

Realoem says it's an M8 bolt with a standard pitch. In the future you can go on there and get any bolt spec you want.

I would make sure that the shaft is totally inserted into the rack before doing this again.

[BRG_N54]

As Efthreeoh pointed out in another thread, it looks like the bolt is in backwards. You can see in the second picture the outline of the bolt head from previous installation, OP just has to remove the bolt and put it in the opposite hole.

[Kenneykickin]

Originally Posted by BRG_N54

As Efthreeoh pointed out in another thread, it looks like the bolt is in backwards. You can see in the second picture the outline of the bolt head from previous installation, OP just has to remove the bolt and put it in the opposite hole.

I will update tonight if this is the case. Shaft is fully seated. I am glad there are much smarter folks on here than me, lol. First time doing this job and it’s a pita.

[Kenneykickin]

Originally Posted by BRG_N54

As Efthreeoh pointed out in another thread, it looks like the bolt is in backwards. You can see in the second picture the outline of the bolt head from previous installation, OP just has to remove the bolt and put it in the opposite hole.

So unfortunately for me I just went out and tried to unscrew the bolt.. it’s just rotating over and over and not threading out. Of course. My luck. Nothing in my life is easy, lol.

I have no experience with taps either but now I got figure out how to even get the bolt out.

Is the tap m8 x 1.25?

Any idea on how to get the bolt out? I can’t believe I over looked that you are so right on the 2nd photo showing where the bolt threads in once the head hits. I guess that’s me being exhausted after laying on concentrate for awhile and not paying attention like I should have.

Unbelievable

[Kenneykickin]

Ok got the bolt threaded in correctly now in steering shaft. Got everything else put back togsther just got thread in the engine mount bolts and subframe. I’m having a hard time finagling the engine mount bolts into the holes, I’m like a 1/4 inch away from jt lining up. I’ve beat it with a hammer tried differnt lifting points on my jack and can’t get that perfect spot. Going to keep playing with it. I do know the subframe has the dowls that you can line it up perfect which I tried to do that too which went well but seems you have to install the engine mount threads first cause they weren’t lined up after doing subframe first either.

Edit;

Got engine mount and sub frame bolts all lined up and in. Went in smooth. Cleaned threads before, sway bar, Power steering pump on. Got dark on me so all I have left now to throw on is the brace bar underneath (6 bolts) the fan assembly, the coolant line that connects to subframe & and the belt. Threw the wheels back on tonight as well.

Maybe like 20 minutes left tomorrow and than throw oil in. ( should have maybe thrown the oil in before complete reassembly, but hey.. oh well feel a lot more confident if I ever have to do this job again or help a friend)

I do have 2 coolant leaks I do still need to address, one is the coolant hose that connects to the transmission cooler or whatever it’s called that connects to the bottom radiator to the cooler that bolts onto the fan assembly. Then a possible water pump or I’m thinkings it’s the U-hose that’s leaking. Probaly should have done it with subframe off but meh I didn’t want get ahead of myself doing 2 big jobs at once.

Again, I am forever grateful for everyone that chimed in during my adventure tackling this job. I wouldn’t have been able to do it with the help of you great folks of E90 forums. If I could buy you all dinner, I would.

Thanks again.

[StradaRedlands]

Whew, that steering bolt was no bueno, glad you got it fixed!!!