Safety Belt Shoulder Height Adjuster With Stripped Weld Nuts

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the B-pillar trim panel. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION .
Use the half-inch drill with integral stop to drill out the damaged threads in the upper pillar structure.

Fig 1: Drilling With Integral Stop To Drill Out Damaged Threads
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: After each rotation, back off tap slightly to remove new cuttings and be sure to blow out any chips before proceeding.

Fig 2: Tapping Threads

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Apply a suitable lubricant to the M14 x 1.5 tap with integral stop and tap new threads.
Use a threaded insert and screw it into the retapped hole until it is slightly below the surface.

Fig 3: Screwing Threaded Insert Into Retapped Hole
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Use a hammer to lightly tap the installation tool several times to seat the insert keys.

Fig 4: Taping Installation Tool Several Times To Seat Insert Keys
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If the bolt(s) on the height adjuster is not stripped, reinstall the original safety belt shoulder height adjuster. If the bolt(s) is stripped, install a new safety belt shoulder height adjuster. For additional information, refer to the appropriate height adjuster procedure in this article.