Loose screw

[RobChilds]

So I took the parcel shelf out to try and load some furniture in the van and one of the black support knobs (nearest the door) has come loose. Looking at the other knobs it has a hex screw to tighten it up but it is impossible to reach as sits behind the gas bottle holder. Has anyone had a similar problem and found a solution or has a recommendation for a tool to do the job? Thanks in advance

 

[Califan61]

I found this tool online (ebay?) But after many hours I have booked the cali in for warranty repair. Very frustrating for a relatively simple fix. Poor design. It's a T30 torx btw. I'll report back once its been to the dealers.

 

[RobChilds]

Thanks. Mine is still under warranty. I shall contact my dealer

 

[RobChilds]

Is a t30 torx the right fit ?

 

[KGCali]

MichaelPro MP002029 5-Piece Ultra Low Profile Offset Screwdriver Set Slim Profile Angle Screwdriver Star Driver T20, T25, T27, T30, T40

Amazon.co.uk

 

[Califan61]

Is a t30 torx the right fit ?

Yes, I initially checked with the dealer before buying the tool. The problem is the space gerting the bit in and the lip of the cabinet prevents a clean connection. You also can't see anything once the tool is in place. I made up a longer handle but i was running out or rotation space. It's worth noting the spigot cannot rotate (would be a lot easier if it did) as its has a keyway so all the turning has be from the back. Also make sure you add a length of string to any tools you use as you won't get them back it you drop them!

Good luck

 

[RobChilds]

Thanks. I am having the same problems as you. Have bolted 2 of the tork bits together to give a greater reach and have also bought a Borescope / endoscope of Amazon for £20 and I can now see what I am doing and locate the t30 torx into the screw head but still having trouble then actually turning it to any great degree. I am going to persevere and adjust my torx some more . So frustrating
Endoscope Inspection Camera,... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DMK8VRYF?tag=unique09f-21

 

[Califan61]

Good idea with endoscope.

If it was out of warranty I would turn the spigot so there was no longer a key, you can then just hold the difficult end and tightened up the spigot. I would try to put some thread lock on the threads before tightening.

However my cali is in for a service and it was meant to back the next day, two days later still at the dealers so they are finding it tricky too!

 

[RobChilds]

Good idea with endoscope.

If it was out of warranty I would turn the spigot so there was no longer a key, you can then just hold the difficult end and tightened up the spigot. I would try to put some thread lock on the threads before tightening.

However my cali is in for a service and it was meant to back the next day, two days later still at the dealers so they are finding it tricky too!

so will they cover it under warranty? I suspected they might try to exclude it

 

[Califan61]

I haven't had an issue yet with warranty, they have ordered a special tool from the factory which should arrive tomorrow. So hopefully pick up before the weekend

 

[Califan61]

They have tried 'its not covered by warranty' as they could only get in partially done up. If it can't be tightened that's a fault and it isn't going to fix itself. It secures a fairly hefty (by design) shelf/bed extension so its a potential safety issue. Would it be acceptable to have a wheel bolt partly tight, there are four others! Its still at the dealers!

 

[RobChilds]

Crikey. It’s been with the dealers For some time now. I have put the shelf support back and it is holding but the screw remains loose and as you say and could be a safety issue. I will have another go now that I am hope from Scotland. Good luck

 

[Aberdeenshire]

So I took the parcel shelf out to try and load some furniture in the van and one of the black support knobs (nearest the door) has come loose. Looking at the other knobs it has a hex screw to tighten it up but it is impossible to reach as sits behind the gas bottle holder. Has anyone had a similar problem and found a solution or has a recommendation for a tool to do the job? Thanks in advance
View attachment 144063

 

[Aberdeenshire]

I know this sounds crazy but very recently I had the same problem with the same bolt, where after loading camping gear on shelf it collapsed without warning.
After returning home I didn’t have a clue where to start.
Contacted local VW garage !? Who suggested ( not kidding ) we may have someone with small hands, who may be able to put the screw back in but it could take a considerable time to do this,if that fails then we need to take out the kitchen and other various parts !? I asked him can we not access the cavity from where the spare. Battery is situated, replied No that can’t be done..
Following day went out to the van removed the shelf ( phew )
removed the cover from the battery cupboard took my torch and shone it along the cavity and with a twisted view I spotted the screw lying a few feet along on the floor,
I returned to the house asked my wife if we had an old style wire hanger, removed the hook and cut a length of the wire pulled screw out alongside the battery, so had both bits , then thought ok what next ? Looked at the screw and bolt,decided to wrap some plumbers tape around the screw part.made a tight little hook on a length of the wire long enough to reach the hole where the screw meets the bolt put the screw in the hook and tightened the wire ( not to tight ) just enough to hold it and after a few minutes I managed to work the screw just enough to grab the tip of the screw and hold it gingerly ( just and no more ) the screw still connected to the wire so still holding the wire which was still connected to the screw managed to hold it all together and managed to get a little turn on the thread with the bolt ( phew ) one I had a turn on the bolt I managed to get it hand tight. This took about half an hour but it felt like hours.. It defiantly worked . The following day today I put the shelf back in ( phew ) again… Checked tightness appeared to be ok…Time will tell my Warranty is finished .. If need be will see if I can adapt Allan key to tighten from cavity… The told me they have never had such a thing to deal with it just doesn’t happen (yea right )