Did my first oil change since I bought my car, last one was by the local infiniti dealership. Went to unbolt the two bolts keeping the oil filter flap up and both snapped.

I'd like to say that I'm above average when it comes to mechanical abilities and experience but I've already run into multiple cases of bolts snapping on me. Does anyone else run into these issues?

The dealer said they dont use the oil filter flap and just remove the entire cover? Anyone else ever twist off the bolts to the flap?

 

I can't imagine breaking those bolts especially since the bolts are only fastening plastic to the underside. If the bolts were torqued on that tightly, it would have likely flattened out the plastic flap portions where the bolt washers meet the plastic and damaged the flap. I have done all 14 oil changes that were done on my car myself and always only torque the bolts to the point it is snug.

The only problem I ever had was that the creased flap portion started tearing from wear and tear and had it replaced under warranty.

UCLAg37

 

That's very unusual as those boots should not be torqued very tight at all. They're just fastening plastic to aluminum. We're you using a powerful power tool? We're they cross threaded in the hole?

 

When I went to do my first oil change I ran into the same thing. Except the previous owner snapped the head off the bolt, not me. I removed the entire cover, then drilled out the broken bolt and ran a tap thru it to clean it out the threads. It's back to the way it should be now. Good luck.

 

I assume you don't live somewhere with much winter? I'd be lucky to get half of the bolts under my car off without snapping them.

 

I live in Northern VA which does get moderate snow/winter. I've had rusty bolts (including the hood latches) and replaced them primarily for aesthetic purposes. All of those that I replaced however were in the engine compartment. I've replaced none underneath the vehicle. My G is over 7 years old but I also keep it garaged and it is my daily driver.

UCLAg37

 

Like the dealer said "just remove the entire cover/shroud.
Not a big deal and only take a few minutes to make sure there is no rust on any of the bolts



Telcoman

 

I removed them using a standard 3/8th drive ratchet and with minimal effort they both twisted. What I almost guarantee is the dealership used an air tool and ran them in as hard as they could. I also bought this car from Michigan off lease and currently live in Michigan now so rust is obviously a factor. Just kinda sucks..

I just ripped the flap off and will just deal with the hole in my lower cover

 

Realistically not having the flap has no affect on anything at least. You might get an extra 0.2% drag under the car not having it. Just makes oil changes easier.