I can't find my original post asking if anyone has tried to cross bolt the tail rotor assembly side plates on a 500 (EXI). (in more depth bearing plates)

And the answer is yes you can, and it will clear the belt.

I drilled out the assembly so the 2.5 mm socket head screw will trap the two side plates and used lock nuts and washers.

So far so good.

RCREDHOTS