Rivet Nut Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Milan, 2010 Lincoln MKZ, and 2010 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Always wear eye protection when servicing a vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: If the Safety Canopy®/side air curtain module has deployed, the tether cord rivet nut must be inspected and replaced if damaged before installing a new Safety Canopy®.

NOTE: A typical rivet nut replacement is shown in illustration that is similar for all vehicles.

NOTE: LH shown in illustration, RH similar.

Depower the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .
Remove the necessary trim panel(s). For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION .
Remove the bolt and bracket for the tether cord (if present).

Fig 1: Locating Bracket With Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If needed, position and secure the Safety Canopy®/side air curtain tether cord and bracket assembly aside.
Using the appropriate service tool, sand the rivet nut shoulder until the shoulder surface is removed.

Fig 2: Locating Rivet Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Punch the remaining portion of the rivet nut through the rivet nut hole.
NOTE: Use only Ford Motor Company factory-authorized replacement parts for rivet nut repair procedure.

Obtain the correct square shank rivet nut for the vehicle application from the Ford Catalog Advantage™ or equivalent and insert it into the rivet nut hole.
Using a suitable rivet nut installing tool, install the rivet nut. For additional information, refer to the tool manufacturer's operating instructions .
If present, position the tether cord. Install the bolt. See the appropriate component removal and installation procedure or Specifications for the correct torque specification.
NOTE: The tether cord must be positioned correctly in place before installing the A-pillar trim panel.

Install the necessary trim panel(s). For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION .