Safety Belt Shoulder Height Adjuster With Stripped Weld Nuts

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the height adjuster. Refer to SAFETY BELT SHOULDER HEIGHT ADJUSTER .
Use the half-inch drill with integral stop provided in D-Ring Installation Kit to drill out the damaged threads in the weld nut(s) in the upper pillar structure.

Fig 2: Repairing Damaged Threads In Weld Nut In Upper Pillar Structure (1 Of 4)
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. After each rotation, back off the tap slightly to remove new cuttings, and be sure to blow out any chips before proceeding.

Fig 3: Repairing Damaged Threads In Weld Nut In Upper Pillar Structure (2 Of 4)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Use a threaded insert (part number N807170-5190) provided in D-Ring Installation Kit and screw it into the retapped hole until it is slightly below the surface.

Fig 4: Repairing Damaged Threads In Weld Nut In Upper Pillar Structure (3 Of 4)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: If the two bolts on the height adjuster are not stripped, refer to SAFETY BELT SHOULDER HEIGHT ADJUSTER . If the bolts are stripped, install a new height adjuster.

Fig 5: Repairing Damaged Threads In Weld Nut In Upper Pillar Structure (4 Of 4)

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.