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What is a one-time-use part, and how do you determine if a fastener, clip, or part can be reused? These are questions that we are confronted with in the collision industry quite a lot. The other big question is "Where do I find this information?"
As the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team researches OEMs for one-time-use fastener/part information, we are putting together a series of articles on how and where to locate this information for specific OEMs. Let’s take a look at BMW/Mini.
BMW/Mini addresses one-time-use parts and fasteners in several different areas of vehicle-specific body repair manuals:
- Repair Instructions ➤ Unified Parts Group ➤ 00 Maintenance And General Data ➤ Microencapsulated Screws
- In this document, BMW has an installation note stating: "Microencapsulated screws must not be retightened."
- Microencapsulated screws have thread locking adhesive to prevent the screwed connection from being loosened.
- Repair Instructions ➤ Unified Parts Group ➤ 32 Steering And Wheel Alignment ➤ 32/31 Steering Column ➤ Replace Steering Column
- Within this document, under: Follow-Up Works ➤ Installing Steering Shaft, Bottom
- BMW states: "Renew clamping bolt. No retorque permitted!"
For example, typically found in the steering column installation procedure is a Parts For Repair Procedure button (upper right corner). This area provides a diagram and list of parts involved in the procedure. One of the parts listed contains "micro-encapsulated" in the part designation column. This part needs to be replaced since it cannot be retightened.
When researching service information make sure to review all the information given. The one-time-use parts can be called out under Tightening Torques, Installation Notes and in Parts For Repair Procedure.
Following OEM procedures, including the identification and use of one-time-use fasteners/parts is essential for a proper repair.
For additional BMW/Mini information, check out the following pages:
BMW OEM Information
Mini OEM Information
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
- Collision Information Website Access: BMW/Mini
- One-Time-Use Parts And Fasteners
- Step-By-Step: Accessing BMW/Mini Repair Information
