ramshyd

While I tried to install the IPOD adapter to my 2009 RX 350, I dropped the top two nuts inside! and couldn't retrieve it by any means. One of them, i can spot where it is, but can't reach. The other one, i wonder where it went. I just put back the radio (CD changer), and tightened the bottom two nuts. It seems to fit, but i am worried about the two of them i dropped inside, also worried if on the long run this could cause a cosmetic issue in the dash.

Suggestions / advice please!! much appreciated....

Thanks

1koolfella

iTrader: (1)

The good thing is that the nuts are magnetic.

When I did my radio swap, I drop the nut twice. First one I was able to see where it went and the second time I had no clue where it went.

I had one of those cheap things they sell near the register at autozone. It was an antenna with a mirror on the other end. Well I taped a magnet to the bottom of the antenna portion, was able to extend the antenna and got them out each time.

In this youtube clip the guy is using a similar device, not sure if it can be purchased at Lowes or Home Depot.

cartman57

Yup, need 1 of these, or

glassmanj

another tip, before you install or remove nut or bolt, use a small piece of painters tape or electrical tape and wrap it on the inside of your socket. it adds friction and makes the socket opening smaller so the nut/bolt won't wobble while you are guiding it in or removing it. if screwing it in, you can actually put bolt/nut into socket first then use tape to wrap edge and secure it wile guiding it to it's location.

ramshyd

Thanks All... I am going to buy the magnet thingy, and try my luck pulling out the lost nuts. For some reason, i am hearing a bit of a 'gritchh' sound when the car goes over small uneven patches on the road, but not on bigger bumps?! I am thinking that the CD changer without the nuts on the top is causing that 'small' but noticeable noise.

cartman57

Could always get 2 more from a hardware store or put one on the top, one on the bottom.

MC5Wes

Youre not going to find the head unit bolts at a Hardware store. They are about 1 1/2 inches long about 3/8 inches wide. And metric.

Go to the dealer and by a pair. And dont worry about the loose ones. I dropped one about 4 1/2 years ago. No problems.

cartman57

Most hardware stores, home remodel (Lowes, HD, Menards) carry metric sizes now, even in stainless and yellow zinc plated.

glassmanj

if you already have a relationship with your dealer, at your next service you could ask them for two nuts and they may simply give them to you.

MC5Wes

The head unit is attached with 4 bolts. Good size metric ones. You may find them in a hardware store. If you search.

Or you can buy them from the dealer or Sewell.

ramshyd

To All, and Cartman -

THANK YOU. Today I finally had time to pull out the dropped nuts using that magnet extending thingy and fix the radio snugly. THANK YOU again.

PS - while pulling out the first wood trim around the gear shaft, i made two minor blemishes to the trim - shows up a bit 'bad'... have to live with it!

Ram

1koolfella

iTrader: (1)

Isn't it a good feeling to have your nuts back. lol.

(Sorry I couldn't resist)

I made the same mistake regarding pulling off the first piece. I use the trim removal tool on the side which left a little knick but not noticeable to the naked eye but each time I needed to go in I did it at the bottom and when replacing panel I did it in the reverse order I removed it.