2002 V70 Tail Lamp Hex Nut Size ?

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 09 Apr 2023, 16:22

Looks like I have that dreaded broken plastic around the socket where my brake light bulb socket is and I will need to replace the whole upper lamp. I have a new/used lamp but I have no clue as to the size of that small hex nut (2X) that holds the whole lamp in place. Would any of you have an idea of the mm size? I am guessing I will need a small swivel also just to access this.
(See attachment)

Driver's Side Upper Tail Lamp.pptx: (616.89 KiB) Downloaded 60 times

Post by **jonesg** » 09 Apr 2023, 16:37

If at all possible...buy a socket set, not one socket at a time.

Post by **chrism** » 09 Apr 2023, 20:45

10mm as I recall.

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 10 Apr 2023, 06:08

Thank you gentlemen!
I have a 10mm socket but not the swivel portion. Also I can tape the socket to the swivel so it won't drop down the cavern but how do i keep from losing the nut once it is loose?

Post by **chrism** » 10 Apr 2023, 07:10

Mr. Detail wrote: ↑10 Apr 2023, 06:08 Thank you gentlemen!
….but how do i keep from losing the nut once it is loose?

Sometimes, in this situation, I’ll hold one of those extendable magnets up against the bottom of the socket while I unscrew the last few turns. That keeps the nut attracted to the socket.

Post by **abscate** » 10 Apr 2023, 07:25

Or even a magnetic 10mm socket

Post by **jonesg** » 10 Apr 2023, 07:57

just stuff a rag under it. I prefer wobble joints to universals for this reason.

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 10 Apr 2023, 08:08

Is a "wobble" joint different than a "swivel" one?

Post by **volvolugnut** » 10 Apr 2023, 09:29

I suggest you buy two tools before you do much work on any vehicle:
1. A magnetic retrieval tool on a flexible stick.
2. A retractable claw retrieval tool on a flexible stick.
Both will save you much frustration. They are very cheap if you find generic brands.
volvolugnut

Post by **cn90** » 10 Apr 2023, 11:06

A trick I use when dealing with difficult nut (other than magnetic socket)...get a small piece of paper towel
and stuff in the socket with some part sticking out of the socket.

Once inserted, the paper towel keeps the nut from dropping.

I wrote a detailed DIY here...

2004 V70 - Tail Light Assembly removal

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