dropped charge pipe bolt - where could it be?

[westsidecamper]

did my spark plugs and intake filters today. when putting the rear charge pipe back on, I dropped the e-torx bolt and heard a metallic bounce one or two times. I've spent about an hour and a half trying to find it with a magnetic pick up tool with no luck. Any tips on where that bolt could have gone?

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by westsidecamper

did my spark plugs and intake filters today. when putting the rear charge pipe back on, I dropped the e-torx bolt and heard a metallic bounce one or two times. I've spent about an hour and a half trying to find it with a magnetic pick up tool with no luck. Any tips on where that bolt could have gone?

On top of the cats or downpipes…?

[icegrill]

In the turbo.

[sdhasher21]

Originally Posted by westsidecamper

did my spark plugs and intake filters today. when putting the rear charge pipe back on, I dropped the e-torx bolt and heard a metallic bounce one or two times. I've spent about an hour and a half trying to find it with a magnetic pick up tool with no luck. Any tips on where that bolt could have gone?

I've done that before and it ended up being inside the opening of the little metal shield that's bolted down on the side where the charge pipes run (to the left of facing towards the engine bay). Don't flex the shield when you look, just have some decent light and see if it landed there.

[westsidecamper]

I'll check that spot tomorrow. Do i gain anything by taking the brace off of the subframe?

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by icegrill

In the turbo.

If it fell in the turbo the sound would be more like his heart being crushed…

[sdhasher21]

Originally Posted by westsidecamper

I'll check that spot tomorrow. Do i gain anything by taking the brace off of the subframe?

I don't believe so. If you unbolt it or flex, the bolt may fall where you can't get it. It was pretty easy to see when I looked with a flashlight. Used a magnet and was able to get it.

[agustincuenca]

it happened to me doing the plugs too, it was on the underbelly cover

[Theruleslawyer]

In the same place where 10mm sockets disappear to. I swear I should get a bulk discount.

[westsidecamper]

I feel like a pic might help here.
The attached image shows the area.
Blue arrow is pointing to the threaded part where the bolt should go, i.e. where it was when it fell.
Red arrow is pointing where I think sdhasher is saying it went. I don't think it went here?

white arrow is where people who think it fell into the turbo think it went (makes no sense why this is something people think). or maybe they think it went into the exact spot the charge pipe was covering (also makes no sense). either way, not helpful.

yellow arrow is where I'm pretty sure it went, yet I'm unable to see it as it bounced around and went somewhere closer to the bumper or even the subframe brace/cover. This is why i'm asking about whether it'll help to put the frontup on stands and start taking stuff off the bottom. or even removing the bumper. maybe that will even roll it closer to where i'm able to reach?

thanks for your help.

[westsidecamper]

Originally Posted by agustincuenca

it happened to me doing the plugs too, it was on the underbelly cover

i'm starting to think it's here. unfortunately, because i can't start the car, i can't get it onto ramps to jack up the front. i'm considering jacking up and putting a stand under just one corner but that feels unnecessarily risky.

i ordered a new bolt yesterday morning from FCP Euro w/ next day shipping, hopefully it gets here tomorrow and i can jack up the front like normal.

[TopJimmy]

Jack up from the rear point high enough and both tires come off the ground. Then you can place a ramp or block under the front tire. That may get you enough front side clearance to get the jack on the center lift point. If not jack the other rear point and block/ramp the other front tire. Then you can fully jack the front and check under the belly pan.

If you're sure it's not in the turbo you could reattach the CP and start the car without the bolt. The TMIC clamp should hold it in hood enough since there's no boost at light load.

[JAI///M3]

And cover that open turbo already so you don't drop a 10mm socket in there!

[icegrill]

Originally Posted by JAI///M3

And cover that open turbo already so you don't drop a 10mm socket in there!

[westsidecamper]

Originally Posted by JAI///M3

And cover that open turbo already so you don't drop a 10mm socket in there!

i've actually been using that as a cupholder to hold my drinks while i work. is that bad?

[JAI///M3]

As long as you mean beverage and not athletic support you should be good 👍

[westsidecamper]

Originally Posted by agustincuenca

it happened to me doing the plugs too, it was on the underbelly cover

it's funny, i had a feeling it was here. and it was. so you were right.

[agustincuenca]

Originally Posted by westsidecamper

it's funny, i had a feeling it was here. and it was. so you were right.

great! that's better that not finding it at all