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Should These Thumbscrews be Loose?

Discussion in 'Prius v Technical Discussion' started by M8s, Nov 19, 2011.

  1. M8s

    M8s Retired and Lovin' It

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    I was installing mud flaps today. After installing one of the rear flaps I tugged at it to see if it was on tight. The entire rear quarter panel moved, which concerned me a little. Then I noticed that there were some thumbscrews (about 5) that hold the inner fender to the car. They were all quite loose. I tightened them finger tight (not very tight, IOW) and the rear quarter panel no longer moves around. Here's a picture of two of the thumbscrews:

    [​IMG]

    Here's my question: Are they supposed to be loose, finger tight or tight? (Maybe they're supposed to be loose to prevent squeaking or comething). Any ideas?
     
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  2. M8s

    M8s Retired and Lovin' It

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    Hasn't anybody gone out to see if their rear quarter panel is loose and flimsey and easy to move around? (One of the benefits of hand washing and waxing your car is you notice stuff like this.)

    Just grab the corner right behind the rear tire and give it a pull or push. If it moves, you can easily reach the rear thumbscrew with the wheel on and tighten it up to see a big change in how stiff the body becomes.
     
  3. parnami

    parnami Member

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    I've been watching to see if this is common too. I haven't yet bought a v so I can't check mine.
     
  4. M8s

    M8s Retired and Lovin' It

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    Thanks for the input, parnami. I've now driven about 150 miles, half highway, and not had any squeeks or other ill effects due to tightening these nuts. I'm glad I tightened them, though, as the rear quarter panel would flex a lot before and is stiff now. I'd hate to see the paint crack or other damage occur due to overly loose assembly.
     
  5. RAYDAHS

    RAYDAHS New Member

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    I stumbled across this same issue with my 2011 Camry SE in the rear wheel wells while washing it. It looks as though it's a common assembly procedure with Toyota. I was thinking of pulling them and applying Blue Loctite. Is their a purpose for it :noidea: I just assumed it was another cost cutting measure.
     
  6. wizzard

    wizzard New Member

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    I found the same issue in my V. Tightened the ones that I could reach.
     
  7. M8s

    M8s Retired and Lovin' It

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    Was the rear quarter panel (really, the lower corner of the bumper cover) on your car loose? Did it become taught after doing this?
     
  8. wizzard

    wizzard New Member

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    It was moving a little before I tightened it.
     
  9. Caug1

    Caug1 Member

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    can i have better photo? i cant understand where are the screws?
    Thanks,
    c
     
  10. M8s

    M8s Retired and Lovin' It

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    I had the rear wheel off when I took that photo. The thumbscrews are in the rear fender wells, behind the rear tires. You can reach around the rear tire and tighten two or three of them but you'll have to remove the rear tire (or put the car on a lift) to get to them all.
     
  11. FXD

    FXD Junior Member

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    Had my v for less than a week - been reading posts to pick up pointers. Mine were loose, too. I reached around and found them all and tightened them pretty tight by hand. Can't imagine why they were ALL left loose on everybody's v unless it has some purpose besides losing off on the highway. (Not many things like that are better off loose than tight...)
     
  12. JACoH

    JACoH Enjoying the mileage

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    Checked mine also after 1800 miles, all loose, so tightened them and added a small glob of silicone on each to keep from loosening up again.
     
  13. jas1178

    jas1178 Junior Member

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    I found mine all very loose too...
    All tight now.