DIY: Cabin Air Filter stripped threads repair

CHECKERED · 02-27-2014, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_c

I'm in,pls pm me email address..on mobile no pm abilities

PM sent!

big_c · 02-27-2014, 03:42 PM

Payment sent. A+ to you for helping out the community!

CHECKERED · 02-27-2014, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_c

Payment sent. A+ to you for helping out the community!

got the payment, don’t forget to leave feedback on iTrade!

CHECKERED · 02-28-2014, 05:46 PM

3 sets left!

SSW · 02-28-2014, 05:49 PM

Just received the 2 sets that I ordered.

Just added them to the growing pile of parts waiting to get installed after I get the use of my left arm back following shoulder surgery.

Thanks for taking the lead on the group buy, Checkered! Positive iTrader feedback submitted.

GetSomeE92 · 03-02-2014, 01:05 PM

Received my set. Thanks again, bud. Positive feedback inbound.

alex35i · 03-02-2014, 02:36 PM

Pm sent!
Thank you for the time & effort put in. You da man

CHECKERED · 03-05-2014, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex35i

Pm sent!
Thank you for the time & effort put in. You da man

got your payment...thanks!

UPDATE:
only 2 sets left

big_c · 03-05-2014, 07:18 PM

Checkered rocks, left positive feedback

big_c · 03-05-2014, 08:18 PM

Just installed, total piece of cake project. 1/4 drill bit. Vacuum out the plastic bits

I just pushed in the inserts....didnt want to deal with the glue and found it to be unncessary. Its a really secure fit..I used a phillips driver to push in the inserts all the way. I was able to tighten them up really well and no slipping, a good feeling compared to the stripped out old plastic crap.

Thanks again to checkered

SSW · 03-05-2014, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_c

Just installed, total piece of cake project. 1/4 drill bit. Vacuum out the plastic bits

I just pushed in the inserts....didnt want to deal with the glue and found it to be unncessary. Its a really secure fit..I used a phillips driver to push in the inserts all the way. I was able to tighten them up really well and no slipping, a good feeling compared to the stripped out old plastic crap.

Thanks again to checkered

Haven't done this yet.

Did you do all 6 holes? Was there sufficient thickness to avoid any risk of pushing the inserts "thru" the plastic in any of the holes?

CHECKERED · 03-07-2014, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_c

Checkered rocks, left positive feedback

left you some feeback as well!

UPDATE:

one set remains,
there are a few interested parties so whoever comes up with the payment first gets it

of course someone else can purchase another 16 sets and start the process again.

CHECKERED · 03-08-2014, 10:08 AM

Update:

All sets have been spoken for!

SSW · 03-10-2014, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSW

Haven't done this yet.

Was there sufficient thickness to avoid any risk of pushing the inserts "thru" the plastic in any of the holes?

No response to my question but decided to go ahead to do this myself today anyway.

The plastic cowling was thick enough. Just step up the drill bit sizes to enlarge the hole til you get to 1/4". Drilled all the way through the cowling; probably shouldn't have done that but it didn't hurt anything.

Then inserted and tapped the insert gently into the plastic w/a hammer. I didn't try to tap the inserts in flush w/the surface and left the 1/8" smooth rim exposed. This leaves a small gap between the top and bottom of the cabin air filter housing but it probably doesn't matter since air is sucked in from under the upper cabin air filter housing which is open to airflow anyway.

A very easy & professional looking fix. Don't really need the 6 extra inserts & bolts that I bought, but I'll keep them anyway. I'm sure I'll find a use for them

Down_Shift · 03-15-2014, 01:22 PM

Anyone know if the stock bolts fit these inserts?
Trying to keep it all matching as it drives me crazy to pull out a different socket than what I'm use to using.

dbjb · 03-15-2014, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Down_Shift

Anyone know if the stock bolts fit these inserts?
Trying to keep it all matching as it drives me crazy to pull out a different socket than what I'm use to using.

No but in a good way. New bolts are 8mm. Old was 10mm. New size is same as bolts on plastic under cowl

SSW · 03-15-2014, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbjb

No but in a good way. New bolts are 8mm. Old was 10mm. New size is same as bolts on plastic under cowl

In my case, the old screws and new "bolts" had the same M5 8mm socket heads.

CHECKERED · 03-17-2014, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSW

In my case, the old screws and new "bolts" had the same M5 8mm socket heads.

X2

Efthreeoh · 03-29-2014, 08:43 AM

I just found this thread from another thread it was linked in.

I've not done this repair (I don't need to), but I've read through what everyone has done. It's okay to use an epoxy to set the inserts, but if it were me, I'd just drill the hole a 1/16 smaller and heat up the insert with a propane torch and install the insert into the plastic so the plastic forms around the knurl (this is the typical installation method in production of plastic parts that use threaded inserts). Just get a longer screw of the same thread size, partially thread the screw into the insert, heat the insert up for a few seconds, then install it, hold it for a few seconds until the plastic sets, then remove the screw.

SSW · 03-29-2014, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I've not done this repair (I don't need to), but I've read through what everyone has done. It's okay to use an epoxy to set the inserts, but if it were me, I'd just drill the hole a 1/16 smaller and heat up the insert with a propane torch and install the insert into the plastic so the plastic forms around the knurl (this is the typical installation method in production of plastic parts that use threaded inserts). Just get a longer screw of the same thread size, partially thread the screw into the insert, heat the insert up for a few seconds, then install it, hold it for a few seconds until the plastic sets, then remove the screw.

The inserts hold very firmly w/o epoxy or heating up the insert. In fact, the fit is so tight at 1/4", I don't think you could push the insert into a 3/16" hole to use the heating method you describe, but it is an interesting idea and I'd like to hear from anyone who tries it.

BEAR-AvHistory · 03-29-2014, 11:59 AM

How about the classis fix of putting a piece of light fishing line in the hole & using the original screws?

LAFNGAS · 04-18-2014, 10:47 PM

planning on doing this when i get home finally.

so just use the 1/4 drill bit, push in flush with cowl and BAM good to go?

just sounds way too easy but would be a nice change

02-27-2014, 03:42 PM	#112
big_c First Lieutenant 23 Rep 321 Posts Drives: 07 AW 335i Step Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: MW iTrader: (2)	Payment sent. A+ to you for helping out the community!
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02-28-2014, 05:46 PM	#114
CHECKERED ex deus machina 124 Rep 968 Posts Drives: G30, F15, Audi S4 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Southern NH iTrader: (12)	3 sets left! __________________ Daily: G30 M550i, Bluestone, JB4, 1 step colder plugs, 6WB retrofit Winter Beast: Audi S4 4.2L V8, Supercharger, brakes, suspension & exhaust mods Wifes': F15 M50d clone, DUDMD tune, WMI, MPBK Gone: E92 335i N54 468rwtq
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02-28-2014, 05:49 PM	#115
SSW I Can't Drive 55 129 Rep 883 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i (E90) Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (4) Garage List 2023 VW ID4 Pro [0.00] 2002 Ford F250 7.3L ... [9.50] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2012 Mercedes ML350 [0.00] 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder [0.00]	Just received the 2 sets that I ordered. Just added them to the growing pile of parts waiting to get installed after I get the use of my left arm back following shoulder surgery. Thanks for taking the lead on the group buy, Checkered! Positive iTrader feedback submitted. __________________ 2008 Black Sapphire 335i E90 Sport & Premium Pkgs - Cobb Stage 1+FMIC Sport map, Mishimoto FMIC & Alpina B3 AT Flash. See: My Build Thread. Last edited by SSW; 02-28-2014 at 06:29 PM..
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03-02-2014, 01:05 PM	#116
GetSomeE92 Major 36 Rep 1,176 Posts Drives: '09 Space Gray E92 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (7)	Received my set. Thanks again, bud. Positive feedback inbound. __________________ 335i Coupe, JB4 (G4, map 5) DCI and 40% E85 blend: 2009 BMW 335i Coupe: 12.173 @ 109.490 MPH
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03-02-2014, 02:36 PM	#117
alex35i Private 8 Rep 97 Posts Drives: BSM 2008 E90 335XI Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: North Georgia iTrader: (1)	Pm sent! Thank you for the time & effort put in. You da man
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03-05-2014, 07:18 PM	#119
big_c First Lieutenant 23 Rep 321 Posts Drives: 07 AW 335i Step Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: MW iTrader: (2)	Checkered rocks, left positive feedback
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03-05-2014, 08:18 PM	#120
big_c First Lieutenant 23 Rep 321 Posts Drives: 07 AW 335i Step Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: MW iTrader: (2)	Just installed, total piece of cake project. 1/4 drill bit. Vacuum out the plastic bits I just pushed in the inserts....didnt want to deal with the glue and found it to be unncessary. Its a really secure fit..I used a phillips driver to push in the inserts all the way. I was able to tighten them up really well and no slipping, a good feeling compared to the stripped out old plastic crap. Thanks again to checkered
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-08-2014, 10:08 AM	#123
CHECKERED ex deus machina 124 Rep 968 Posts Drives: G30, F15, Audi S4 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Southern NH iTrader: (12)	Update: All sets have been spoken for! __________________ Daily: G30 M550i, Bluestone, JB4, 1 step colder plugs, 6WB retrofit Winter Beast: Audi S4 4.2L V8, Supercharger, brakes, suspension & exhaust mods Wifes': F15 M50d clone, DUDMD tune, WMI, MPBK Gone: E92 335i N54 468rwtq
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03-15-2014, 01:22 PM	#125
Down_Shift Captain 190 Rep 739 Posts Drives: Slay Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Beantown iTrader: (4)	Anyone know if the stock bolts fit these inserts? Trying to keep it all matching as it drives me crazy to pull out a different socket than what I'm use to using.
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03-29-2014, 08:43 AM	#129
Efthreeoh General 17309 Rep 18,733 Posts Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	I just found this thread from another thread it was linked in. I've not done this repair (I don't need to), but I've read through what everyone has done. It's okay to use an epoxy to set the inserts, but if it were me, I'd just drill the hole a 1/16 smaller and heat up the insert with a propane torch and install the insert into the plastic so the plastic forms around the knurl (this is the typical installation method in production of plastic parts that use threaded inserts). Just get a longer screw of the same thread size, partially thread the screw into the insert, heat the insert up for a few seconds, then install it, hold it for a few seconds until the plastic sets, then remove the screw.
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03-29-2014, 11:59 AM	#131
BEAR-AvHistory 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt 3129 Rep 5,264 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 COBRA (FFR rep ... [8.57] 2023 Jeep Wrangler ... [9.50] 2009 Yamaha V-Star [0.00] Cars 2-BMW, 2-FORD, ... [0.00] 2023 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2020 Z4 M40i [10.00] 2022 BMW M4C [7.25] 1998 FORD Ranger 4X4 [0.00]	How about the classis fix of putting a piece of light fishing line in the hole & using the original screws? __________________ Kevin Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers 2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
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04-18-2014, 10:47 PM	#132
LAFNGAS Enlisted Member 0 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 09 335I, 09 Twin Turbo GCSRT8 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Canada iTrader: (0)	planning on doing this when i get home finally. so just use the 1/4 drill bit, push in flush with cowl and BAM good to go? just sounds way too easy but would be a nice change
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