Removing big sheet covering bottom of engine etc

ojustaboo · Mar 10, 2014

Hi all, sorry I don't know the propper name.

The big black fiber/plastic sheet held on by numerous bolts underneath the engine compartment that I presume is there to stop water and crap from the road going up into the engine.

Mine is only held on by a couple of bolts as for some reason all the other nuts have broken (spin round so there's no way of tightening the bolts).

One of the two remaining ones has also broken, basically the bolt is also turning around whatever is being used as a nut, the nuts supposed to be fixed to the bodywork, but has come loose.

I can force it off breaking the nut in the process, just wondered what you would suggest I use in it's place. The position of these makes using a normal nut impossible as it's totally inaccessible to hold the nut still.

Hope you understand what I'm trying to explain

Many thanks

Laguna mk2

bugsb · Mar 10, 2014

you can drill a hole next to the bolt but make sure you are not going to drill into anything else then use self tapping bolts to re-fix in place
Ron

Phil48 · Mar 10, 2014

Its called an under tray its there to keep things clean and in many cases for areo dynamics..:d its a common problem with the nuts braking free..I would have a look and see if its possible to put a bolt through and then screw up a nut to that ..then put the tray back in place with another nut and washer holding it..

ESL57 · Mar 10, 2014

Best to get the fixings from Renault or another car.
Then cut off with a hacksaw blade and renew.

It's something that is worthwhile taking time to fix properly as it makes servicing so much easier and the undertray is essential with modern cars.

Dancingdad · Mar 10, 2014

Totally understand, been there on my scenic.

Renault use press fit captive nuts into blind sections of the chassis. The bolts rust in a little and the press fit no longer holds.... so the bolts turn and you get nowhere.

Various options I know off.
Grind off head, then knock in remnant and stick in a new captive nut (search on ebay, M6 I think) to replace was the one I went for. With lots of grease to stop them rusting.

Grind off head, leave remnant, drill alongside and use a self tapper to secure.. hex head screw is best for getting out again in the future.

Probably others will have other options.

One common reason to get the trays off is oil change. I drilled a hole in my tray to give access. About 50mm dia.

Phil48 · Mar 10, 2014

Dancingdad said:
One common reason to get the trays off is oil change. I drilled a hole in my tray to give access. About 50mm dia.

But what about the filter change..you must have girls hands to get in a 50mm hole..:moonie: :rofl:

Removing big sheet covering bottom of engine etc

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