Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2.1 Opening Punch Rivets By Extraction
This procedure is used on the reduced-weight aluminum front end.
Recommended tools and equipment:
- Stud welding apparatus with gas bottle containing inert gas (82 % argon, 18 % CO 2).
- Stainless steel stud
- Universal riveting tool
Grind off paint and dark grey coating of punch rivets.
Position bolt centrally on the rivet and weld on vertically. The area in which the bolts are welded on should be between the two grounding terminals. Position both terminals, if possible, on the top side of the metal plate on which the rivet is located.
Extract bolt with welded-on rivet using universal riveting tool. Use a large plastic nose piece if not otherwise specified in the repair instructions. Check plastic nose piece prior to use for wear.
Plastic nose piece must rest on sheet metal all round; if necessary, grind off plastic noise piece in collision area.
Do not push riveting tool forcefully onto special-steel bolts.
Do not use riveting tool to bend special-steel bolts.
Pay particular attention to central positioning of the bolt when using the small plastic mouthpiece.
Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions for use.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.