Rusty Towing Eye?

Post Fri Sep 15, 2006 10:22 pm

The socket for the towing eye on my 320i is so corroded that the eye can't be screwed in does anyone have acunning stunt to solve this problem?
I had thought of trying to re-tap whats left but the thread is so coarse I haven't been able to find a suitable tap-any ideas?
Cheers

Post Fri Sep 15, 2006 10:26 pm

Hi mate
If you remove the front bumper you will find that thread is in the drivers side bumper bracket/shock absorber thing.
These are just held on with 2 13mm bolts so easily replaced or i guess as you said you could attempt to re-tap it.
Cheers Spadge...

Post Fri Sep 15, 2006 10:32 pm

I've come across some pretty rusty ones of these, but, with plenty of WD40, a towing eye, and a 12" steel bar (to turn the eye), and a fair bit of patience, I've managed to restore the thread in every one.
Then copper grease the thing!

Post Sat Sep 16, 2006 10:27 am

Thats how I cleaned mine out, didnt want to admit to it but as brian has, well thats good enough for me!

Post Sat Sep 16, 2006 9:12 pm

Nice one guys, WD40, a bar, tap with a lump hammer then grease - job jobbed!
Many Thanks!

Post Sat Sep 16, 2006 10:14 pm

Work it over and back a bit further each time, with plenty of WD40 flushing out the crap. No great force required.

Post Sat Sep 16, 2006 10:34 pm

am i the only one finding this thread funny?......
i mean like
really funny

Post Sun Sep 17, 2006 8:40 am

with you liam..

they are going to help his rusty eye with a big bar and some copper grease...

brians going to work it over and back a bit further each time..