Mid chassis brace

Discussion in 'Mazdaspeed 3 General Discussion' started by dkreighbaum70, May 6, 2020.

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  1. dkreighbaum70

    dkreighbaum70 Greenie Member

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    I had a local garage attempt to remove the brace and the first bolt snapped/disintegrated when they attempted to remove it. It’s REALLY rusty. They mentioned taking it to a body shop.
    Looking for “shade tree” ideas.
    I’ve seen videos on twist sockets, just don’t know how much metal structure the bolt has anymore. Going to dive under the car this weekend

    Thanks in advance
     
  2. _Mazdarati

    _Mazdarati I just want my car back Silver Member

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    Got any pictures?
     
  3. Awafrican

    Awafrican Moderator Gold Member

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    Been there with @Chemmedic car.... Fuck.

    So here's the deal no impact gun! Lots of fucking PB blaster. Use a breaker bar for the others. The one that sheered off I used a plasma cutter to melt the bolt in the center and that was enough to be able to get a drill bit in then re tap it with the same size as it's supposed to have. Heck one it just melted the whole bolt out and didn't even need to tap it.

    You could drill it out but plasma cutter makes it quick.
     
    Awafrican, via a mobile device, May 7, 2020
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  4. dkreighbaum70

    dkreighbaum70 Greenie Member

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    Not yet, when I get under this weekend I will
     
  5. dkreighbaum70

    dkreighbaum70 Greenie Member

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    Thanks for the info. I’m not excited about this at ALL
     
  6. Awafrican

    Awafrican Moderator Gold Member

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    Why not it's super fun... Ha
     
    Awafrican, via a mobile device, May 7, 2020
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  7. Bigelow

    Bigelow Greenie Member

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    This is the mid brace under 2nd cat? If so have heard of a few running with out it due to exhaust rattles or clearance issues.
     
    Bigelow, via a Samsung mobile device, May 7, 2020
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  8. SharksInSpace

    SharksInSpace Planets and shit. Silver Member

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    Yea you could run without that brace if necessary. Depending on which one snapped, if the rest of the bolts come out okay, you might not even need to worry about the broken one; aren't there two bolts at each corner?
     
  9. dkreighbaum70

    dkreighbaum70 Greenie Member

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    We’ll see what I find this weekend when I dive in. I was hopeful to install a TB Performance brace in place of. Fingers crossed

    Your confidence both concerns and excites me!
     
  10. Awafrican

    Awafrican Moderator Gold Member

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    Yes found be 2 bolts in each corner but bit having 2 there would make it less ridgid. While you could drive without the brace I would want to do any spirited driving.

    Take your time, use that PB blaster make sure your socket is seated well and slowly apply that pressure. May have to wiggle a bit with more blaster. If all fails get that drill and tap out... bolt extractor on standby may not hurt either.
     
    Awafrican, via a mobile device, May 7, 2020
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  11. mcbacon89

    mcbacon89 Greenie Member

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    If it's in a spot that can handle it, there's always a torch, beefy pliers, and a BFH. You may be able to heat the end of it up to make it a little more malleable before you hammer a socket on it. Both of those have worked well for me in the past.
     
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  12. Awafrican

    Awafrican Moderator Gold Member

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    can handle heat, just be careful one of the side's is close to a fuel line...
     
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