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PPF Instal/removal

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#1
TommyB

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I've got three shop manuals covering the  NA's (two factory originals and one after market)  and each warns against removing the upper spacers at the rear of the PPF.

 

If removed they say the PPF will have to be replaced in total otherwise handling may be severely impaired.

 

Can someone please explain, why?

 

Tom B.



#2
Dave D.

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Mazda wants to make money from selling more PPFs???? Upper spacers? Do you mean the threaded slugs that get pulled/press fit into the top ?? I knock them out all the time and they tighten right back up.......



#3
callumhay

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I think it is a CYA thing because the spacers (knurled press-fit fasteners) are held in via friction. Mazda is saying (I think) it is impossible to re install in the same way that the factory "intended" without replacing the PPF with the fasteners pre-installed. In reality it is feasible to reuse them and I think the preferred way to remove the PPF is to remove them. First time I did this I resisted taking them out despite reading in Dave Wheeler's book that you need to. Dave was right.

 

You just have to be careful with the re install...either press them in ahead of time or make sure they are engaged and tighten the bolts slowly to avoid them spinning. 

 

In terms of handling I can't see it as an issue unless they are loose and there is a gap there. I think this is just one of those situations that practicality takes priority over theory. 

 

It may be possible to do it without removing them as the manual says, but I could never figure it out on my car. 

 

Hope that helps

 

Cal


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#4
Bench Racer

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You just have to be careful with the re install...either press them in ahead of time or make sure they are engaged and tighten the bolts slowly to avoid them spinning. 

Key ^, reinstall with fingers/feel the knurl aligned (you could with mirror match mark before taking apart) and slowly by hand wrench pull in place. Been there several times.


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#5
Alberto

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that aluminum spacer is very soft and deforms very easily.  I messed mine up trying to force things into place.  Thankfully had a spare.


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#6
gerglmuff2

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yeah, ive had the friction fit of the threaded inserts turn to a running fit, you have to cut the bolts when that happens. PPFs are thankfully cheap, and plentiful. a good used parts guy like miatasource will fix you up for cheap. 


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#7
Ron Alan

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yeah, ive had the friction fit of the threaded inserts turn to a running fit, you have to cut the bolts when that happens. PPFs are thankfully cheap, and plentiful. a good used parts guy like miatasource will fix you up for cheap. 

Cut bolts??? Man you guys are stoned! Knocked up the Mushroom caps("nuts")half a dozen times on the same car and reinstalled. A little pressure up and down an side to side and these fall into place nicely before the suck in the last little bit. You cant damage the PPF at the diff(unless your a total dip shit)...just the little aluminum spacer maybe. Remember this...most any bolt and nut on the car should go all the way in by hand(except those that are pre-crimped)easily. If it doesnt you screwed something up or someone before you did!! Aluminum threads need love! Be patient!


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#8
gerglmuff2

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if the bolt is rusted, it will fuse with the threaded cap, and when you go to unthread it a bit so you can pound the caps out, it will just spin in the PPF. ie, the rusted threads will have more friction than the press fit cap, and so thats what will spin. 

you either have to drill out the bolt, or cut an end off in order to get it out. if this happens, i recommend just removing the PPF completely and doing it on the floor. 


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#9
LarryKing

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Cut bolts??? Man you guys are stoned! Knocked up the Mushroom caps("nuts")half a dozen times on the same car and reinstalled. A little pressure up and down an side to side and these fall into place nicely before the suck in the last little bit. You cant damage the PPF at the diff(unless your a total dip shit)...just the little aluminum spacer maybe. Remember this...most any bolt and nut on the car should go all the way in by hand(except those that are pre-crimped)easily. If it doesnt you screwed something up or someone before you did!! Aluminum threads need love! Be patient!

 

Bing, bing, bing, Johnny tell him what he's won!!!

 

PS: If you have the luxury of time, and you are dealing with a rusty mess, start about two week before the job spraying all bolts with PB Blaster or equivalent, and respray every day or two.


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#10
gerglmuff2

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checks location of all posters .... 

 


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#11
LarryKing

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https://www.facebook...?type=3


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