What does "microencapsulated" mean?

Hi.

The three rear screws of the engine mounting bracket on the 3C TDI are labeled "micro-encapsulated" and must be replaced after each removal.

What does "microencapsulated" mean, how does it work, and what happens if I don't replace it?

(With the Golf, I regularly removed the sound insulation panel, but I haven't dared to do that with the 3C yet.)

m;

"Microencapsulated" means that a protective agent has been applied to the new foam. It melts when the screw is inserted, then hardens again, thus securing the screw.

If it is reused, the protective effect is naturally lost. In my opinion, when re-securing something, one could also apply a normal securing agent.
Some manufacturers also specify that certain coatings can be used multiple times. Details can be found on the relevant manufacturer websites (e.g., Loctite).

Quote:

and what happens then, if I don't replace them.

nothing at all...

We haven't lost a single customer yet, and no one is creating anything new like it.
(I didn't even know they were supposed to be new ).

dieselmartin wrote:

Hi (With the Golf, I regularly removed the sound insulation panel, but I haven't dared to do that with the 3C yet).

"With my A3, I had to remove the sound insulation tray about 5 times. I never replaced those screws (they are incredibly tight even when new), and I also never applied any Loctite." And everything holds.

What's not so good are these other metal clips and screws (on the bumper cover and inner fender liner). First, they rust like the S*, and second, the clips easily come loose from their groove in the plastic, and then they can't be tightened properly anymore...