id bolts, nuts, screws in general and for 2004 XC70 headlight level sensor assembly

[enotslim]

General question with specific application to 2004 XC70 headlight level sensor assembly.

Edit: I learned that a set of dedicated "nut and bolt thread checkers" or a digital caliper and thread gauges should work if they are sufficiently small diameter and can reach confined spaces.

Is there an easy way to identify the size and thread count of connecting hardware?

I currently need three screws to connect the bracket and linkage of the headlight level sensor assembly (see final photo) to the subframe (1 screw) and suspension (2 screws), respectively (illustrated in the first two photos). Trial and error would require having a matching bolt/screw to verify fitment and I can do that for this one example.

But a preassembled collection of nuts and bolts of multiple sizes and threadcounts would be useful. And labeled so the correct hardware can be purchased once identified. Would this require purchasing all those sizes and threadcounts or can these be found as a collection designed for this purpose?

Thanks.

[enotslim]

Holes in the brackets are 2.5-2.8 mm by electronic caliper. Do the female fittings take any simple sheet metal screw of this diameter? Doesn't seem like much else could work. I don't see anywhere or anyway to use a nut to secure a bolt for these fittings.

[scot850]

Did any of the 2 brackets have fitted studs? If so then if they have broken off, then just find 2 bolts that a re snug fits in the holes and matching lock nuts. Easiest to stick with metric, but hey if you have SAE bolts that will do that go for it.

If they need bolts that have to thread into a fitting, then you will need the right diameter and thread pitch to work. If your caliper is only measuring 2.5-2.8mm that is really small. It is more likely an M3 bolt. The thread pitch is possibly 1.0, or 1.25.

Neil.

[enotslim]

Did any of the 2 brackets have fitted studs? If so then if they have broken off, then just find 2 bolts that a re snug fits in the holes and matching lock nuts. Easiest to stick with metric, but hey if you have SAE bolts that will do that go for it.

If they need bolts that have to thread into a fitting, then you will need the right diameter and thread pitch to work. If your caliper is only measuring 2.5-2.8mm that is really small. It is more likely an M3 bolt. The thread pitch is possibly 1.0, or 1.25.

Neil.

Thanks for suggestions.

No evidence of fitted studs although this solution might still work.

With clearance 2.5-2.8mm the following chart indicates M2.2-2.5 bolts (https://accu-components.com/us/p/117-is ... dimensions).

I find only one thread pitch value for M3 and smaller bolts in the chart above and elsewhere. Some sources do list fine and coarse threads. Do these bolts actual exist with more than one thread count?

[scot850]

I would be fairly certain in Boston there will be industrial bolts suppliers. In Calgary we have 3? hardware suppliers specializing on bolts, nut, screws and the likes. Metric stuff can sometimes be more of a challenge, possibly in the US where SAE is predominant thread sizing.

A 2 second google came up with these places:

https://www.yellowpages.com/boston-ma/nuts-and-bolts

It may take 2 trips, but if you can take anything with the tread on it they should be able to at lease confirm what you have. If not, maybe buy 2 or 3 diameters and I would include M3, and the see if/what gives the best and tightest fit in the holes.

I have found our local suppliers to helpful. They don't know I'm a retired mechanical engineer, but they have always been keen to help me identify what I needed or an option(s).

Neil.

[enotslim]

... maybe buy 2 or 3 diameters and I would include M3, and the see if/what gives the best and tightest fit in the holes.

Neil.

The female fittings are in the subframe and frame (I think). Matching requires driving the vehicle to a supplier and removing the left rear wheel for access (so jack stands or a lift). Just confirmed the smallest bolt I have (2.8 mm measured diameter) is too large even for the hole in the brackets. I'll buy some smaller bolts and see what fits (best). Pretty sure something will work and with the remainders I'll be ready for anything "next time".