Safety Belt Shoulder Height Adjuster With Stripped Weld Nuts

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool(s)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the height adjuster; Refer to FRONT SAFETY BELT or REAR SAFETY BELT - BENCH SEAT, SECOND ROW or REAR SAFETY BELT - BUCKET SEAT, SECOND ROW .
Use the half-inch drill with integral stop provided in D-Ring Installation Kit to drill out the damaged threads in the upper pillar structure.

Fig 2: Drilling Out Damaged Threads In Upper Pillar Structure
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 3: Applying A Suitable Lubricant To M14 X 1.5 Tap With Integral Stop Provided In D-Ring Installation Kit

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Apply a suitable lubricant to the M14 x 1.5 tap with integral stop provided in D-Ring Installation Kit and tap new threads.
Use a threaded insert (part number N807170-S190) provided in D-Ring Installation Kit and screw it into the retapped hole until it is slightly below the surface.

Fig 4: Screwing Threaded Insert In Retapped Hole
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: If the two bolts on the height adjuster are not stripped, refer to FRONT SAFETY BELT or REAR SAFETY BELT - BENCH SEAT, SECOND ROW or REAR SAFETY BELT - BUCKET SEAT, SECOND ROW . If the bolts are stripped, replace the height adjuster.

Fig 5: Seating Insert Keys

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Use a hammer to lightly tap the installation tool provided in D-Ring Installation Kit several times to seat the insert keys.