Ford F-150 Body Mount Cage Nuts

Beginning with the 2009 model year Ford F-150, the cab body mount bolts are secured with a cage nut. The cage nut is held in position inside a cage nut retainer that is attached to the inside of a floor crossmember. The crossmember is attached to the underside of the floor pan, which creates an enclosure for the cage nut. The retainer has two nut retaining tabs, one on each opposing side of the nut that are folded against the nut to hold it in place (see Figure 1).
In some instances, the cage nut may spin when attempting to remove or install a body mount bolt. If the nut spins, it will have to be accessed and secured in order to complete the bolt removal and the installation process.
Accessing the Cage Nut
Accessing the cage nut will require drilling a hole from the top of the floor pan at the cage nut location. Be careful not to drill into the cage nut retainer. Ford service information specifies using a 50 mm (2") hole saw for this procedure (see Video).
Figure 2 - Shown are two of the body mount/cage nut locations on the floor pan of this F-150 SuperCrew.Accessing the drilling locations on the floor pan will require removing certain parts, and pulling back the carpeting. Depending on the cab style, parts that may require removal include the scuff plate trim panel, console, and seats.
The locations of the body mount cage nuts vary depending on the F-150 cab style. Locations for the Regular Cab model will differ from those of the SuperCab and SuperCrew models. Locations for the SuperCab and SuperCrew are the same (see Figure 2). Refer to the appropriate service information for the specific location and procedure for drilling the hole.
Repair Considerations
Through the drilled hole, locate the cage nut retainer tabs and bend them upward to allow access to the cage nut (see Figure 3). Use a suitable tool to hold the cage nut and remove the body mount Figure 3 - Shown is a cage nut retainer with the tabs bent upward allowing access to the cage nut.bolt.
The cage nut may be reused if the threads are not damaged. If damaged, it must be replaced with the correct part number (#78101C38). Ford service information warns against using a standard nut as a replacement, as this may result in damage to the vehicle.
The body mount bolts are one-time use, and must be replaced once removed. Be sure to replace these bolts with the correct part number. The bolt part numbers vary depending on the cab style. Torque the new bolts to 115 N"¢m (85 lb-ft).
A service plug (part #W651023-S300) is available to cover the hole following installation of the body mount bolt.
Conclusion
When attempting to remove the body mount bolts on some Ford F-150 models, be aware that there may be situations when the cage nut may spin preventing removal of the bolt. Removing the body mount bolt will require using a hole saw to provide access to the cage nut in order to secure it to prevent it from spinning when turning the bolt. Locations of the cage nuts vary depending on the F-150 cab style. Ford service information includes procedures for locating and drilling the holes.
This article first appeared in the December 22, 2011 edition of the I-CAR Advantage Online.
Related I-CAR Courses
-
Toyota/Lexus/Scion Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
July 28, 2016
As the industry continues to ask if pre- and post-repair system scanning is necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.
-
MIG Brazing What Is It, Why Should I Use It?
June 02, 2014
Why MIG Brazing? It is widely known that GMA (MIG) welded; fully galvanized steel will lose some of its properties, including corrosion protection, due to the heat created during welding.…
-
Typical Calibration Requirements for Blind Spot Sensors
October 19, 2016
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system…
-
Restraints Wiring Repairs
May 23, 2016
Over the past few months, we've been sharing OEM position statements on restraints wiring repairs. Now we're bringing them all together in one place for easy reference.
-
Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Position Statements
January 09, 2019
Are you wondering if a particular OEM or organization has a published position statement on pre-repair and post-repair scanning? We have compiled a list of most of the position statements…
-
2015 Ford F-150 Outer Box Side Replacement Options: UPDATE
August 07, 2015
The method for replacing the outer box side on the 2015 Ford F-150 has been a popular area of discussion, and many people are asking, "What are my options and…
-
Typical Calibration Requirements for Forward Radar Sensors
October 12, 2016
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system…
-
Typical Calibration Requirements for Park Assist Sensors
October 31, 2016
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system…
-
Mazda I-ELOOP Overview
January 27, 2014
Beginning model year 2014, Mazda has introduced a regenerative engine braking system called i-ELOOP, short for "Intelligent Energy Loop." In this system, a capacitor is used to store electrical energy…
-
I-CAR Best Practice: Recycled Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges
July 21, 2017
Periodically, I-CAR Repairability Summits are held to bring together collision industry stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop collision repair processes and best practices for repair of late-model, collision damaged…
-
I-CAR RTS PAVE Webinar
January 21, 2021
I-CAR RTS has created a webinar for the professional automotive virtual education (PAVE) training. It covers the practical application of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) Portal, advanced driver assistance…
-
I-CAR ADAS Diagnostics - When The Calibration Fails Course
January 20, 2021
The I-CAR ADAS Diagnostics – When The Calibration Fails course covers advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and focuses in on the inputs used in common systems. It details how the…
-
High-Voltage Technician Levels
January 19, 2021
As electric-only, hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles are increasing in sales, they are becoming more commonplace in repair facilities. Along with the unique powertrains that come with these vehicles,…
-
High-Voltage Technician Levels: Nissan
January 19, 2021
As electric-only, hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles are increasing in sales, they are becoming more commonplace in repair facilities. Along with the unique powertrains that come with these vehicles,…
-
I-CAR Vehicle Technology And Trends 2021 Course
January 14, 2021
The 2021 model year vehicles are going to be showing up in dealer showrooms before too long. This means that they will inevitably be showing up in collision repair centers.…
-
GM Repair Insights: Winter 2021
January 13, 2021
A new edition of the General Motors (GM) Repair Insights magazine is now available. The Winter 2021 issue highlights the completely redesigned 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
-
Repairer Driven News: 2021 Genesis GV80 SUV
January 12, 2021
Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article on the 2021 Genesis GV80 SUV which discusses the materials used in the construction of the vehicle and other highlights of this all-new…
-
Repairer Driven News: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
January 12, 2021
Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee which outlines the variety of materials used in the construction of the vehicle which not only reduce…
-
Your 2020 Favorites: Top Ten Vehicles In OEM Calibration Requirements Search
January 07, 2021
Now that the new year is underway, let’s take a look at some of your favorite things from 2020. We will continue with your most visited vehicles in the OEM…
-
Your 2020 Favorites: Top Articles
January 06, 2021
As 2021 rolls in, we can reflect back on what the previous year had to offer. Let's take a look at some of the collision industry information you've been most…
- 2021
- January 2021 (11)
- 2020
- December 2020 (15)
- November 2020 (17)
- October 2020 (14)
- September 2020 (14)
- August 2020 (12)
- July 2020 (19)
- June 2020 (16)
- May 2020 (14)
- April 2020 (21)
- March 2020 (12)
- February 2020 (14)
- January 2020 (14)
- 2019
- December 2019 (15)
- November 2019 (20)
- October 2019 (25)
- September 2019 (20)
- August 2019 (22)
- July 2019 (23)
- June 2019 (21)
- May 2019 (20)
- April 2019 (21)
- March 2019 (21)
- February 2019 (21)
- January 2019 (18)
- 2018
- December 2018 (19)
- November 2018 (19)
- October 2018 (17)
- September 2018 (16)
- August 2018 (23)
- July 2018 (21)
- June 2018 (21)
- May 2018 (19)
- April 2018 (20)
- March 2018 (23)
- February 2018 (17)
- January 2018 (21)
- 2017
- December 2017 (16)
- November 2017 (18)
- October 2017 (19)
- September 2017 (20)
- August 2017 (21)
- July 2017 (19)
- June 2017 (23)
- May 2017 (21)
- April 2017 (16)
- March 2017 (20)
- February 2017 (12)
- January 2017 (13)
- 2016
- December 2016 (9)
- November 2016 (14)
- October 2016 (21)
- September 2016 (11)
- August 2016 (11)
- July 2016 (8)
- June 2016 (13)
- May 2016 (11)
- April 2016 (12)
- March 2016 (14)
- February 2016 (11)
- January 2016 (7)
- 2015
- December 2015 (10)
- November 2015 (10)
- October 2015 (12)
- September 2015 (10)
- August 2015 (12)
- July 2015 (11)
- June 2015 (10)
- May 2015 (8)
- April 2015 (10)
- March 2015 (9)
- February 2015 (11)
- January 2015 (12)
- 2014
- December 2014 (15)
- November 2014 (9)
- October 2014 (12)
- September 2014 (10)
- August 2014 (11)
- July 2014 (13)
- June 2014 (9)
- May 2014 (14)
- April 2014 (9)
- March 2014 (6)
- February 2014 (1)
- January 2014 (28)