I have snapped on of the bolts that hold the earth/negative return to the body in the engine bay on my mk1 ford focus, it was one of those moments when you then think I know what I should have done, put some wd40 on:oops:, anyway do you think I should just drill it out and re tap it or use one of these extractor sets, I have just bought a tap and die set from aldi. If you think I should give one of these extractors ago can you recomend one.
Thanks in advance

does it just bolt the earth wire to the body,if thats the case just drill another hole and new nut and bolt or self tapper would be my surgestion

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As above - don't make more work than is required. Drll a new hole in CLEAN metal (remove all paint from vicinity to ensure good connection) and use a nut/bolt if you can get to the rear to hold the nut. Unless the metal is faily thick (i.e. good for at least 1/4" of thread length) then simple tapping won't last long.

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It's above the wheel arch sort of thing so don't know how thick it is. hard to explain if you havn't seen a mk1 focus, I'll try and get pic tommorow. The funny thing is that was the reason I was trying to remove the bolts canny to try and clean the area up,

I have a Mk1 focus post me a picture if you can and i'll have a look tomorrow

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Id go with a new hole/bolt, it doesn't matter much where it goes.
If its a bolt, its probably into a rivnut, or welded insert.
A large self tapper may do, what size is the bolt?

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i agree with cannyfixit

Here ya go, took them saturday then got distracted, cheers

Just had a look and it's under the air box so just remove the other bolt next to and fit the earth ring to that one,obviously take a little care add a lttle WD40 and let it soak in for a while otherwise you'll snap that one to

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Whats under the airbox, the pic is next to the washer bottle opening, which is the white thing in the pic.

the black box to the left is the airbox

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yeah, but u said under, anyway do you not think it's worth a shot with the extractor set or not thick enought to retap as if if i just move it ove the slot for the tab will be wrong way

Sorry for the wording
It's up to you with the extractor set,personally i wouldnt but thats just me,as for moving the wire over all's your looking for is a good earth,the tab just holds the ring tag in place when tighting down, either snip it off or fold it back flat with some pliers
just make sure you clean the area before refitting
if you decide to drill it out post back how you get on

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How thick do you think this area is as kellys said unless 1/4" it won't last, anyway will pick up an extractor set either tommorow or wednesday as I've got to get some other bits anyway

1/4" is not the body thickness that Kellys talking about but the minimum bolt length,without looking i'd gusss most car body panels to be about 1-2 mm thick.

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