Help with stereo removal
 

I was following one of the diy threads but came across a problem.

http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8/4.php

In the bottom picture I cannot find where the yellow marked bolt is. All I see is a hole. Is the bolt inside the hole? Or am I looking in the wrong spot?

Thanks for the help!

If you see the hole but no bolt, it's possible that the bolt is missing. Did you buy your car used or had any work done that would require removal of the head unit? If yes, it's possible that the bolt was already removed but not put back.
Don't worry, you'll be fine without it - unless you have some squeak that is caused by the head unit not being bolted down but that is unlikely.
If you're itching to replace the bolt, it's a 10 mm metric threaded one if I remember correctly.

I bought it new. Is the bolt on the same piece as the two red marked bolts?

Oh, but I had someone install a sub+amp in my car. I am trying to remove the stereo so I can stop a rattle that my bass remote control wire is causing.

I had this same damn problem today! The pictures in that site don't do justice to the location of that bolt. It is actually to the right (not upwards) of those two main bolts that are visible, and several inches deeper in. You can't actually see it from anywhere under the dash (and I looked hard). You can feel it with your fingers - put your left hand onto those two bolts, then bring your arm closer to you and futher toward the headunit. You should feel it. Getting a wrench on that sucker is another story; I had to buy another extension for my socket.
Good luck!

Thanks! That is what I needed to hear. I was getting so frustrated when I attempted to remove the thing earlier. Looks like I will give it another try tomorrow.

Seen it....
 

Oh, you just ain't FLEXIBLE enough!

If you put your head on the clutch pedal :cussing: and use a good light.....

It didn't get put back in!

S

I wish I hadn't found it (see other thread about toasty headunit)!

Damn, hope you find a solution. :(

Be absolutely sure you disconnect the battery before removing the HU

That bolt is missing in mine 8 after my dealer install my mp3 player when I try to install the MD player myself. Just ignore it and go ahead and remove the 2 screws for the front plate. Just make sure you shift / move the stick all the way down BEFORE turning your car off in order to give yourself as much room as possible.

Should it be hard to pull the stereo out? I dont want to pull too hard and break something.

Hard.....
 

Yes, it's still hard to release, even with the bolt removed.

If you have the bolt out, just keep pulling!

My problem was it came out, but cable ties kept it so close, you couldn't reach in to undo connectors.

S

After removing radios from five different 8's, I found this to be the easiest method.
If you remove the glovebox, you can easily reach the connectors in the back of the radio and remove them.
Just reach in with your right hand, and it's almost the first thing you'll touch behind the radio.
Once you release the largest connecter, you'll get a lot more movement on the headunit.

- Cesar -

About that bolt, although I'm sure putting my head on the clutch pedal I would be able to see it but I don't really feel like getting down that far, so I just feel around for it. I'm actually able to just get the right socket (10mm I think) and stick it on the screw and hand torque it off. I've done that on 3 different 8's AND a mazda 3. So it's not too rough to get out but since you say you just have a hole, it's probably not there. I'm pretty sure if it's not there your radio isn't going to just fly out.

Is the bolt there to keep things from rattling? Or from being stolen? Is it necessary to put it back in?

Since the last time removing my radio I just hand tighten it in and out and I don't seem to have any problems and I've heard of people having it be completely removed and no problems. Though I'm sure it deters theft a little, but you do have plenty other work you have to do before you can just yank it out.