License plate holder capture nut repair

[KMPRSSD]

So after getting my car a few months back I noticed one of the capture nuts was missing for the rear license plate bolts. Doing a bit of research not only were the nuts unavailable to replace, but the plate holder itself was broken where the nut went. Looking online I was not going to spend over $100 for a new plate backer.
He is my fix.....
I bought some stainless M6
weld nuts from McMaster Carr. P#98697A63






I think there were $17 for a ten pack.
Then I removed the plate backer with a T-25 torx bit. I wasn’t able to get floss under it to cut the double sided tape, so I just used a plastic trim tool to pry it away enough so I could gently pull it off. From the back side of the plate backer I used 2 part epoxy to attached the weld nut and then used the plate and 6mm bolts to hold it in place till it dries.

After it dries I will use the proper length bolt so it doesn’t impact the trunk lid behind it. Should work nicely. So if somebody is looking for a repair across all model lines this might be the one.


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[hunter_killer]

How does the rear license mount come off? I read it was torx bolts and adhesive tape. How do you access the bolts from behind?


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[KMPRSSD]

How does the rear license mount come off? I read it was torx bolts and adhesive tape. How do you access the bolts from behind?


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Yes to both. Take the plate off and you will see the torx bolts. Then you either need fishing line to cut the adhesive tape behind or a trim tool to try and pry it gently


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[hunter_killer]

Yes to both. Take the plate off and you will see the torx bolts. Then you either need fishing line to cut the adhesive tape behind or a trim tool to try and pry it gently


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I’ll have to go look at it again. I thought a guy had to go from inside the trunk by the handle to get to the mount bolts.


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[TC_S4]

That double side tape is a PITA to remove. Why complicate things? Just put these plastic license plate fasteners and call it a day. You’ll never have these problems again.

https://www.amazon.com/Cruiser-Acces...te+fast&sr=8-8

[hunter_killer]

That double side tape is a PITA to remove. Why complicate things? Just put these plastic license plate fasteners and call it a day. You’ll never have these problems again.

https://www.amazon.com/Cruiser-Acces...te+fast&sr=8-8

Idk if you’re replying to me or the OP but three of my fasteners are broken off from the mount so I need a better fix.


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[TC_S4]

Idk if you’re replying to me or the OP but three of my fasteners are broken off from the mount so I need a better fix.


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I also broke two of my oem fasteners from the mount, fail right in the back of the support plate and had to fish it out. These plastic fasteners clip on top of the square-shaped holes. Of course if you did gigantic hole on the support plate that another story.

[slacktide]

Gluing on a weld nut is a great solution if the hole is rounded out, but Ace Hardware sells the correct nuts if your panel is not damaged. They are called cage nuts, they're commonly used in computer server rack mounted hardware and professional audio equipment. Hillman is brand Ace carries. https://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Group.../dp/B00IZFXI4M

[KMPRSSD]

Gluing on a weld nut is a great solution if the hole is rounded out, but Ace Hardware sells the correct nuts if your panel is not damaged. They are called cage nuts, they're commonly used in computer server rack mounted hardware and professional audio equipment. Hillman is brand Ace carries. https://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Group.../dp/B00IZFXI4M

Nice find! That would have been my go to if my plate wasn’t missing the tabs to hold the cage nut. Do they make in stainless?


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[hunter_killer]

Boy I was off on my thinking when I looked at the rear mount last. I forgot the bolts are right behind the plate...🤦🏼*♂️


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[ellwood]

great solution the dealer mangled one of my bolt holes while putting the temp plate on when i bought my sq5 so i'll be doing this repair in the future

[coop3422]

Gluing on a weld nut is a great solution if the hole is rounded out, but Ace Hardware sells the correct nuts if your panel is not damaged. They are called cage nuts, they're commonly used in computer server rack mounted hardware and professional audio equipment. Hillman is brand Ace carries. https://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Group.../dp/B00IZFXI4M

THANK YOU! When I bought mine last month and was putting the plate on, I noticed the insert pieces fell inside, was actually going to make a thread on it. I assumed there was 2 way tape when it didn't come off via just the torx screws. I assumed it was an aftermarket plate piece. I'm assuming these just pop in and stay in place, going to order a few now.

[slacktide]

I'm assuming these just pop in and stay in place, going to order a few now.

Yep, they clip into the square-shaped holes. If you over-torque the license place screws, it strips out the square hole.

Looks like there are some vendors selling stainless cage nuts on Amazon, but you might have to buy a lot more than you need. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=M6+cage+nuts+stainless

[coop3422]

Yep, they clip into the square-shaped holes. If you over-torque the license place screws, it strips out the square hole.

Looks like there are some vendors selling stainless cage nuts on Amazon, but you might have to buy a lot more than you need. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=M6+cage+nuts+stainless

Thanks, this takes one thing off my list.