Nuts seized on third brake light bolts

[pickle_party_247]

Hello all. As the weather's dry at the moment I've just got around to replacing the failing third brake light on my '04 3.0i however the nuts seem to be stuck on- the bolts turn with them. Could be that the springs are preventing them from turning or they are just well and truly seized.
What is the best option if they are properly stuck? Go from the other side and try to cut the flange on the old brake light housing so they fall through as a unit?

 

[enuff_zed]

Is it not as simple as turn and don't worry?
If they shear then fit new nuts on the new light unit. Once sheared the springs will fall off anyway.

 

[Roberltd2]

I think the problem is that the threaded stud is turning with the nut.

 

[enuff_zed]

I think the problem is that the threaded stud is turning with the nut.

I think the answer would be the same.
The new light comes with studs doesn't it?
So gently prise the light out whilst turning. Something will give.
The light unit I changed was so old and brittle it came out in about a dozen pieces.

 

[Roberltd2]

That would be the way to do it. As you say, it probably wouldn't take much leverage for it to disintegrate . Mine fell apart as I took it out.

 

[Rucky]

The Nuts are tightened down onto the shoukder of the bolt.
The bolt itself is prevented from rotating by the plastix light casting - held on 2 flats.
The spring is between the nut and the Bootlid so you cat overtighten onto the spring.
Likely the bot has broken out of the plastic through gross overtightening or the plastic has gone brittle and failed.
My new light came with new bolts but Not nuts or springs.

Guess you will have to break the boly heads out of the plastic light and recover the nuts and springs for use.



You will probably need a new light!
Third brake light replaced. So the fitted light - OEM BMW Hella dated 2015 broke up after 5 years. BMW replacement £87 plus. Bought this one from Bangood for £21.63. delivered in 4 days. Fits at least as well as the original although I might run a clear bead of silicone in joint.

 

[pickle_party_247]

Thanks Rucky, thought as much. Got the new light already hence why I went ahead with taking the old one out!