Fiat Mystery Bolt

The Magic Fiat · Post by **The Magic Fiat** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:36 pm

I was clipping along today and suddenly heard "Bading! Ping!" and looked back to see a bolt dancing in the highway.

I immediately thought it was one of the flex disk bolts that I may have not torqued correctly.
I stopped and went back to retrieve the bolt and looked up and down for the nut. Other than the driver there was no nut to be found in the vicinity.

However when I got home I found that all 6 donut bolts were in place and this new bolt was a complete mystery.

I looked for the usual suspects, alternator bolts, and whatever else I could see under the hood, all was well.

This one had some oil on it, but there are no leaks under the car.

It is the same size thread as the donut bolt, but it is about an inch shorter:

I only have two suspicions at the moment, either it was dropped by a mechanic sometime in the past and it just now decided to hop out onto the road, or it is a transmission bolt.
It was too hot under the car to look at the moment, but when it cools I'll be under there looking for it.

I'm open to suggestion!!!

Here's a look at the head of the bolt:

Otherwise everything is running just fine, but the Fiat just has to let you know who's boss!!

Neil

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 3:31 pm

looks like one of the bolts that hold the tranny to the engine

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 4:55 pm

it might at that.

But, my first thought was ... how do you know it came from your car. If it were me, yes, I would think the same.

But, that is not positively so.

The Magic Fiat · Post by **The Magic Fiat** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 5:12 pm

Good call Mark!
It turns out the bolt is from the tranny on the passenger side at the top.

I put new flat and lock washers on it and it's back in business.

I think I'll go on a "torquing tour" all around the car to make sure everything is nice and tight.

I'm just glad it fell off while I was on an open road, I'd hate to have had it drop off in traffic or at a stop.

And Mike, I can see what you mean, but when I heard it ringing its way down to the road via the driveshaft and that distinctive Fiat marking on it made me think it had to come off this car from someplace!

(and I won't mention the Fiat propensity to lose parts, but I do look in the mirror a lot when I hear a strange noise!)

Thanks!
Neil

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:22 pm

I guess i should consider myself lucky. I have lost a lotta tools down the engine bay, some never to be seen again. But, i do not recall any fiat puking parts out the rear as i drove down the road.

Now, my '92 Ford ranger......welll, that is a different story. let see, it has been to muffler man for the third time this past week. dontcha just love those lifetime guaruntees?