Hi,
I used to have a screw that held down a few speaker ring terminals, acting as a ground in the trunk.
I needed some advice on how to secure a better ground in the trunk, ideally utilizing the existing hole, as the cables are cut to length.
I cannot access the other side as it appears to be in the wheel well.
The existing screw doesn't fully tighten.
It's the hole on the left that i used.
I used to have a screw that held down a few speaker ring terminals, acting as a ground in the trunk.
I needed some advice on how to secure a better ground in the trunk, ideally utilizing the existing hole, as the cables are cut to length.
I cannot access the other side as it appears to be in the wheel well.
The existing screw doesn't fully tighten.
It's the hole on the left that i used.
Attachments
The hole is stripped out. Scrape off the metal, and use a larger diameter sheet metal screw.
Also use a lockwasher and a washer with it, because of the vibration in the car.
Do not over tighten, but check it periodically to see if it loosens up.
Also use a lockwasher and a washer with it, because of the vibration in the car.
Do not over tighten, but check it periodically to see if it loosens up.
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You might be able to use a Nutsert aka rivet nut. It's like a T-nut for metal, except that the part nearest the flange is designed to be squished down and secure the nut in place on sheet metal. (or very much like a pop-rivet, except the part that's pulled on is threaded into rivet body) You can buy them in small quantities at some autoparts store. Installing should be possible using one strong bolt, a couple of washers (with some lube inbetween) and a sturdy nut.
https://www.spyderindustries.com/blogs/news/diy-how-to-install-nut-inserts-rivet-nuts
It looks like they're suggesting to turn the bolt and hope the Nutsert stays put, which might work. That does put a lot of stress on the Nutsert threads, so grease them. My thought was to emulate the proper tool by holding the bolt fixed and turning a nut to pull it. Consider using a fine thread (1/4-28) Nutsert if available, and a high-grade bolt and nut. I don't have a good feeling whether a smaller diameter (#10) would be easier or more prone to breaking the bolt.
https://www.spyderindustries.com/blogs/news/diy-how-to-install-nut-inserts-rivet-nuts
It looks like they're suggesting to turn the bolt and hope the Nutsert stays put, which might work. That does put a lot of stress on the Nutsert threads, so grease them. My thought was to emulate the proper tool by holding the bolt fixed and turning a nut to pull it. Consider using a fine thread (1/4-28) Nutsert if available, and a high-grade bolt and nut. I don't have a good feeling whether a smaller diameter (#10) would be easier or more prone to breaking the bolt.
I use to run my ground power ground from a mounting bolt for the latch on my VW. The BMW has the battery in the trunk.
Mine had bolts instead of screws, but you can see them in this photo:
Depending on how they mount on to the car, you might also be able to ground to a shock absorber mounting bolt.
Mine had bolts instead of screws, but you can see them in this photo:
Depending on how they mount on to the car, you might also be able to ground to a shock absorber mounting bolt.
