Skid Plate Bolts - Jiffy Lube Rant!!!

[benk777]

So two months ago I was tight on time, and it had been 3500 miles since my last oil change, so I decided to go against my better judgement and take it to the Jiffy Lube across the street from work over lunch. I paid a premium to have them use Mobil-1, and they really must have overtorqued the bolts to hold the skid plate on. I found this out last night when I tried to remove them to change my oil again. One of them busted the head right off, so now what am I to do? Where can I take it to get the remainder removed?

Thanks.


Ben

 

[keylay31]

Quick note: isn't it 5k mi? Depends on the year I guess...

 

[pipspeak]

3.5K miles? It is a 5K mile suggested oil change I believe. Don't fall for that "needs new oil after 3K miles" ruse from dodgy dealers.

Anyhoo... sounds like you'll have to get the bolt shaft drilled out, which a dealer (or any mechanic, for that matter) should be able to advise you on.

 

[sharp4runr]

I'd never take any of my vehicles to a Jiffy Lube. They employ some degenerates there, not everyone of them but they seem to collect there...

Try using an EZ out to remove the busted bolt. You can find them at any auto parts or tool stores.

 

[Trooper One]

Be happy they even took your skid plate off! Took mine in once and they never even removed it. Not sure how they go to drain bolt but I brought the truck home and found a puddle of old oil underneath. Oil all over my brick paver drive and skid plate. That was my 98. My 05', I change the oil my self now instead of using those monkeys. Most of the guys in there look like carni's anyway! I do find that those bolts are a b#$% to get off though!

 

[benk777]

I've always been a firm believer in changing the oil every 3k, in every vehicle I've owned. The oil isn't exactly looking pretty at 3k, so I don't want to see it at 5k. I even wait for it to drain, and then dump a new quart in to rinse everthing off, then let that drain.

Ben

 

[drake3]

I've always been a firm believer in changing the oil every 3k, in every vehicle I've owned. The oil isn't exactly looking pretty at 3k, so I don't want to see it at 5k. I even wait for it to drain, and then dump a new quart in to rinse everthing off, then let that drain.

Ben

I would consider the rinsing some serious overkill and waste of fresh oil. I am glad you don't have a BMW in your garage since the last time I owned one the factory recommended oil service interval was 15K miles with no break-in oil change.

But to each his own and if your oil change process and interval make you feel good about your car more power to you.

You are definitely NOT doing your vehicle any favors by taking it to Jiffy Lube. Which is almost incredible to believe since you seem to want to take exceptional care of it.

I always thought I was a little obsessive by filling a new V8 filter with oil before I screwed it onto the mount. We all have our maintenance quirks I guess.

 

[drmorbius]

If the bolt head broke off you may have a bit of the bolt still sticking out after you remove the skid plate. If so try grabbing that with vice grips and see if it will turn.

 

[Boston_Runner]

If you are short on time, I would rather wait a few more hundred miles before the change instead of using jiffy lube. You use mobil one anyways, 3000 mile oil change is a over kill. You cannot tell the condition of the oil by just look at it. Just because it looks dirty, it doesnt mean you need a oil change.

 

[Koz]

The bolts were cross threaded, that's why they broke. They probably used a air-wrench or impact (lazy and stupid). The easiest way to fix it is to have someone who knows how to use a cutting torch, cut them out. I've done it many times, takes a couple seconds. They MUST know how to do it without buggering the threads. Then chase the treads with a tap. Otherwise you will need to use an EZ out. If so, make sure you use the perfect size for the bold diameter and drill dead center. The drill bit has to matched to the EZ out!

Good Luck!

Koz

 

[sharp4runr]

Dude, Toyota is recommending that the intervals are at 5k so I'd take their recommendation over any routine that you've learned over the years. IMO anything earlier is a waste of time and money. Your time, your money so do what you want though.