Threaded Crossmember Bolt

[kingtube69]

Hi Guys,

I went to remove the crossmember bolt for my car tonight so I could change the transmission mount. I realised that some fool had already removed the crossmember before and threaded one of the bolts. I got the threaded bolt but the nut part which the bolt threads into is stripped also.

I managed to get a bolt to thread into it but it's not super tight - What are my options to sort this out? I've heard about helicoils but I have no idea about these.

Thanks

[breaker1845]

You can buy thread repair kits and then fix the stripped thread that way. Most bolt shops should be able to supply them.

It's pretty straight forward but should read up on google on whats involved and how it works before going ahead and doing it.

[kingtube69]

Great - Thank you, I'll head over to the shops this weekend and get a kit

[scotty nm35]

If you can't tap the next size up bolt thread, a Helicoil is your best bet. The sets aren't cheap though, best to find someone that has the correct size already.

A mobile thread repair bloke will be quickest, but they charge. If you had your location someone local may be able to help.

[kingtube69]

Thank you Scott!

I'll just get a tap and die set this weekend and go with the next bolt size up

[scotty nm35]

Just make sure it fits through the hole in the crossmember.

[Piggaz]

I had this issue years ago.

I went upto a 12 mm bolt IIRC and drilled out the metal "bush mounts" out. Worked a treat!

[warps]

It will most likely be a fine metric thread. Most tap and die sets only run standard metric threads. Better to buy a single, high quality tap than a generic T&D kit from super cheap. Any kit under $200 won't be very high quality, and I find that the threads are usually oversize (50% thread or worse).

I've made the mistake of running a die nut over a thread I've cut on a lathe to clean the thread. The thread was cut to exacting specs (better than 70%) and the die nut cut way too much out of it, leaving it too loose for the application (high pressure fitting). Live and learn.

[Duncan]

Yeah there are plenty of ways to f**k up a thread repair....I'd be taking Scotty's advice and getting a mobile thread guy in. They might cost you a hundred bucks but if you don't deal with this all the time you're likely to stuff it further, and end up with a bunch of expensive tools you'll never leave again.

And yes they are M8 fine which you wont find in most tap kits

[Ben C34]

I vote it is m10x1.25

[kingtube69]

Thanks for all the info guys. If anyone in Blacktown (NSW) wants to help out and has the tools I'll buy you a case of beer of your choosing.

TY