How to replace rear cover (undertray) support bracket?

[CharlesElliott]

At some point in the past I obviously hit the underside of my Boxster, damaging the rear cover (986.504.119.000) and also the small support bracket that it bolts on to - this bracket bolts onto the rear diagonal brace. One end of the bracket allows the rear cover to screw into it, the other end has the small plastic skirts in front of the rear wheels screw onto it. This weekend I replaced the cover but could not get the support bracket off the diagonal brace. There is a hole in the top of the diagonal brace but it is very small (i.e. too small to get socket in) and it doesn't actually appear that the even has a hex head anyway! So when I turn the nut, the bolt is just spinning in the brace. I reviewed the workshop manual and the only piece I could find was related to replacing the diagonal brace but it just says to swap over the support bracket if needed, without any more info.

It is part E in the picture that I am talking about!

Any ideas how this should come off?

Charles

[JP Rodkey]

Just looked at mine, which is off the car awaiting replacement of the bracket. They used a threaded stud, which appears to be threaded into a female insert in the aluminum cross brace. It doesn't look like it's a flat headed bolt that's inserted into the brace, but can't tell for sure. I think you have a couple of options:

1. The stud is long enough, I think, that you can get two nuts on it in order to hold the bolt from twisting while using an open end wrench on the 10mm nut. Alternatively, counter holding the bolt with pliars - protect the threads! - may get you there.

2. A bit of work, but remove the entire brace and replace the stud with a bolt.

Hope that helps.

[CharlesElliott]

Thanks, that is helpful. As I've replaced the expensive bit (undertray) I might just get the OPC to sort it out when it goes in for a service.