Using Loctite on 2008 Viper?

[rcl4668]

I came back from a driving school last week and noticed when the car was on the lift that 5 screws that secure the side sill to the underside of the car just fell off. My guess is that the higher speeds/vibrations at the track school shook the bolts loose. As a visual reference, the screws I am referencing are in the right-hand side of the picture below immediately to the left and right of the triangular jack point in front of the rear wheel:

So I picked up some replacement screws from a Dodge dealer and screwed them in but noticed that while they are somewhat snug they still can be easily loosened with my ratchet. I bought some medium strength "Permatex Threadlocker" (essentially Loktite) and am about to use it to prevent the bolts from falling off again. Is this ok or are there any negatives to using the Loktite? Thanks for your help.

/Rich

 

[ILLSMOQ]

the screws must have been overtightened at some point and the holes are opened up....I've had my side sills of more times than I can count, half the holes are so worn they barely hold the screws in. I use to apply a dab of RTV silicone to the screws before I put them back in and that worked...don't think locktite is going to do it. Someone sells a kit that uses some sort of rivits and new machine screws just for this situation....roe or parts rack would know.

 

[PaViper]

You will want to put it on the screws under the fascia and rear valance as well if they haven't fallen out already

 

[Grant]

Loctite hardens with the heat and pressure on the threads as a bolt is torqued down. If the threads are that loose, it may not work at all. ILLSMOQ's suggestion of using RTV doesn't sound like a bad idea, though I think I'd be more comfortable with replacing the OE fasteners with a bolt and nylon locknut.

Keep in mind that when those things come off on track, they may go into yours or someone else's tires!

I'm going to go check mine now...

 

[JonB]

Rich: We had you on RADAR at 155mph....... they BLEW out!

Seriously, I think the tech who installed your Belangers over or under-tightened them!

Stop by the local Screw n Bolt shop and get STAINLESS ones for a couple bucks and some HiTemp RTV

 

[rcl4668]

Thanks for the replies everyone; I tried the loktite this morning and will wait and see. If bolts keep popping out I will try the RTV silicone approach.

 

[viperbilliam]

Is it blue? You don't want it too strong or it will be too difficult to remove! I think they work pretty good and used them on the Harley. I wouldn't hesitate to use the blue locktite for any bolting where there's a loosening concern.

 

[GR8_ASP]

I have used RTV on mine after losing one into the tire (placed on the underside of the head). The GEn III is better than Gen I/II but still loosen over time (my experience). Now I have never gone with them as new/untouched and have no experience in that case. The exhaust is always the first thing to go, if you know what I mean.

 

[rcl4668]

Is it blue? You don't want it too strong or it will be too difficult to remove! I think they work pretty good and used them on the Harley. I wouldn't hesitate to use the blue locktite for any bolting where there's a loosening concern.

Yes, this was medium strength Permatex Threadloc and the solution in the tube was blue.

 

[rcl4668]

I also checked in with my Viper Tech and he said using the medium strength was fine.