I went to buy some oil filters from my local dealer and thought I would ask if they would just give me the bolts to install myself. These are the 2 bolts missing on most (if not all person's) 5sp manual transmissions at the bottom of the bell housing for the inspection plate. This plate rattles like a ***** when the engine is first started cold due to the missing bolts. I don't want to go through the hassle of making an apointment and them having my car for probably 2-4 hours just to install 2 bolts. I will just do it when I do the oil change.

Well, the dealer has no listing for the bolts :scratch: I handed them the pictures off of a previous post showing the missing bolts. This dealership has been very good to me, I know most of the counter staff by their first name, so I know they are not just giving me a line. They are going to investigate and find out what bolts fit there and then give them to me.

Also, when they ran my vin number on the computer, up popped a note saying "2 bolts". Apparently it was not related to the missing ones I have, very odd. I know I could go to a hardware store and pick up a couple of bolts (10mm I think) and install, but I want the proper ones for free. I will update when I have more info.

 

OK, now I'm curious. I just checked mine and, sure enough, the two bolts are missing. Makes me wonder if there really is suppose to be bolts there or if they are some kind of alignment holes. Be sure and tell us what the dealer says.

BTW, I don't like coincidences. Did the dealer offer any explanation for the "2 bolts" note?

The Boss Hog

 

I took my GT down to the dealership and they replaced the two bolts, nothing else was said. I signed for the service work,and recieved a receipt. They had a charge of $26.00 listed. It seems like every mustang is missing these two bolts.

 

well i guess ill be adding them when my car gets here

 

Anyone got a picture?

 

Probably an isolated incident but when I picked the car up this past Tuesday I heard a vibration which didn't sound right. It was always there but louder at low rpm. Took it in and one of the brackets holding the brake lines did not have a bolt.

 

Since they are aware of the issue, I would like to think no more cars are missing them as they come off the line!

 

How do you know they are aware??

 

I know what they say about assuming, but if people are going to their Dealers asking for these bolts, I'd like to think the Dealers are telling the factory!

 

My dealer played dumb about the bolts. I am taking it in on Tuesday to get them replaced. Should take 2 minutes, but who knows? I am going to get the upper strut bearings checked out too. I am sure they will have to order the parts for that so I should have to take it back in a week or so.

 

The search area of these forums is great. Try it. Search Missing bolts and there is photo.

 

Yes!

 

Second view

 

Ever wonder if someone at the factory has a whole drawer full of those bolts at home?

 

Is this just on the GT's? Or do the V6's have the same problems?

 

So far it seems just the GTs. Take a look and see, you dont have to lift the car, use a stick and feel for the bolt heads. I used a hockey stick.

 

OK, thanks, but I don't have the car yet.......

 

Of course you used a hockey stick! Being from Canada, what else would you use??

 

And, not on automatics, just the 5sp manual tranny?

 

My dealer tells me that they are not missing. Those holes are for a debris shield used on the automatics only.

Am I being hoodwinked here? He showed me the schematic.

You think Ford would have put the bolts in anyway just to avoid the confusion at the dealerships?