JoshB2015

Hi new here just bought a 2011 A4 2 weeks ago. I love the car but have experienced my first problem with it. I bought new license plate holder to replace dealership ones and when changing the rear came to realize that the left bolt was just spinning in place while trying to take it out. After some research I have come to realize the spring nut has likely either broke the plastic on the mount or the nut has come loose somehow? But the nut wont come out even after applying a relative amount of force. The plate is stuck on and covering one of the bolts that would need to be removed to take the entire assembly off. Is there anything that can be done without taking it to the dealer? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

tjf

If I remember correctly there are 2 torx bolts that hold the mount in place - on an Avant anyway. Remove them and you can pull it off.

JoshB2015

Yeah there are the 2 bolts that hold the mount in place but the screw that holds the license plate on is loose and spinning holding the license plate on so I can't get at one of them. I will probably just have to find a way to cut the screw so i can get the plate and mount off. I'm not exactly a mechanic though so I'm nervous about doing any of this myself.

tjf

A Dremel tool would probably work nice at cutting the head off.
...if it's only the 1 bolt that is at issue, can you bend the plate to access the 2 Torx bolts? Then you could remove the whole assemble and grab the nut from behind with pliers.

dropshadow

I've done the same thing. What I ended up doing was gently wedging a shim behind the plate mount (covered with a microfiber towel to avoid scratching the paint), until it was behind the screw I was trying to turn. Eventually I was able to turn the screw and remove it from the nut. Once that was off, I removed the whole mount, retrieved the clip, and put it all back together.

The plate mount is held on with two strips of adhesive. Remove the bolts that hold the mount to the car, and then use a hairdryer to heat up the adhesive. Once it's warm enough, you should be able to pull the mount off the car.

Diogenes

If I change the license pate frame will I void the warranty?
I keed...I keed...