Stripped thread for rear axle mounting - Helicoil to fix?

[dabigginger]

Like an idiot, I used an impact gun to fit the bolts attaching the rear beam axle to my project car (an old Polo coupe). I've gone and damaged 2 of the threads in the chassis for attaching the bolts that hold it in place. I can get the bolts in a couple of turns, then it just won't go any further.

I was wondering, would a helicoil be suitable for repairing this? As they hold the rear beam in place, obviously I want to make sure it's going to be secure and not go anywhere... Thank you in advance

Edited by dabigginger on Saturday 24th December 20:11

[finlo]

Can you not just run the correct size tap through?

[dabigginger]

It's worth a try, but would the strength of the thread not be a bit ruined after what's happened to it?

[stevieturbo]

If you've only damaged a couple of threads as you suggest, it will probably be fine with a tap.

But yes a helicoil or Timesert type repair would also be fine

[227bhp]

The chap is correct, dependent on how much you've damaged run a tap through and bolt it up. If you are unsure then get the Tq setting and use a Tq wrench, you soon know then.

[dabigginger]

That's great, thank you for the help. I'll be a bit more careful next time!

[paintman]

Just don't use a windy gun to do things up!

[stevieturbo]

Or if it is a bolt and you're unsure...cut down some threads and create a short stud to screw into the hole. The threads wont get pulled the same that way.

[Mr2Mike]

paintman said:

Just don't use a windy gun to do things up!

Windy guns are perfectly fine to do things up, as long as you start the thread by hand (to avoid cross threading) and manually torque them at the end. Even with the manual operations they can save a lot of time.

[paintman]

^^^^True. And that's what I use mine for - although mainly for wheel removal & refitting or removal of a number of nuts/bolts & not on it's highest power setting. Also useful as an impact driver for removal. Unfortunately they are often misused & a lot of damage can result.

Edited by paintman on Sunday 25th December 13:09