MK3 Boot Rack securing bolt torque settings

Technical Area Body, Interior & Styling
2

Eh up folks,

I brought a used mk3 boot rack a while ago and was hoping if somebody can help me out with the torque settings of the securing bolts.

It’s the genuine Mazda rack and it states on the fitting sheet 3.5Nm and 2Nm for the various bolts.

How are we measuring this low setting? My torque wrench doesn’t go that low and I don’t want to over tighten and damage the paint work.

Cheers

Derek

 

3

You using the Allan key? Hand tight, that’s the way I do it. The size of the key limits the torque you can apply. Hope you’ve got the rubber inserts for the clamps? Otherwise the paint will suffer.

4

Don’t think you are going to get an accurate torque wrench that measures below 5Nm unless you spend a lot of money.Values this low are hand tight and a bit more.Or you can try this:http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/torque-wrenches/7887047/

5

Not sure what rubber inserts are used for clamps. I have put the 3m paint protector stuff on and fitted the rack.  There is blck rubber on the four feet that the rack sits on, is that wbhat you are rreferring to?

I have nipped up the allen bolts but doesn’t fill me with confidence it’s not going to shake loose. I might put some shake proof washers on for good measure. 

Now to desipher the wiring diagram 

 

6

Rubber feet - yes, that’s what I meant. Hand tight with the allen key saw our rack with luggage down from Nottingham to the Centre of France on two occasions, and a shorter trip to Reims in between. No problems, the rack is solid as a rock. Never had cause to re-tighten anything. It was also empty for a week before, during the stay and at least a week after returning.

7

Our boot rack has been to France, Italy, Andorra and quite a few other places with the bolts just hand tightened with the Allen key. It has never worked loose or slipped.

Here it is on our previous car just outside Nice.

8

Hi sorry to interrupt, but I have the opportunity to purchase a second-hand rack as you have Mister H on your MK3 without the uprated boot struts; would you know if these are an essential requirement in order to use this rack?

Regards TT

9

Hi TT

We have never had uprated struts so I guess they are not essential. But you do need to be careful when opening and closing the boot as it can shut with a bang. We always removed the suitcase first and strapped it on last so as to avoid opening and closing the boot with the case on the rack.

Other tip is to use leather or ratchet straps - bungees are a definite no-no

10

 

I brought the same rack secondhand without the uprated struts. Boot lid stays open with nothing on the rack but I wouldn’t like to load it up and stick my hands in the boot without some way of holding it open.

 

 

11

Hi Mister H and Delpel,

Thanks to both of you for your recommendations, the one offered to me does have the leather straps with it and it makes complete sense to remove any luggage from the rack before opening/closing the boot. 

Thanks again.

Regards TT