Try using helicoil or arrange mechanic to sort??
Try using helicoil or arrange mechanic to sort??
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Captain Answer

Original Poster:

1,376 posts

218 months

Tuesday 2nd July 2019
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So in the process of doing the front brakes on my SAAB I have managed to do one side fine however on doing the other side the caliper bolts just began to spin in both holes. Used a M12 tap and die kit to try rethread but no joy.

There isn't enough clearance to put in a longer bolt and use a nut the other side as it will foul the brake disc.

Looking at options it seems I could use a helicoil to repair but would mean hand drilling the hub in situ as taking off the leg would be a big job

I am tempted to just call defeat and ask if my mechanic does housecalls or if he would come use his nice recovery truck and take it to his workshop to sort

steveo3002

11,237 posts

205 months

Tuesday 2nd July 2019
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lend a cordless drill?

227bhp

10,203 posts

159 months

Tuesday 2nd July 2019
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steveo3002 said:
lend a cordless drill?
How will lending someone his cordless drill get it done?

Turn7

25,771 posts

252 months

Tuesday 2nd July 2019
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Prefer a Timesert to a helicoil, particularly on safety related items....

Captain Answer

Original Poster:

1,376 posts

218 months

Wednesday 3rd July 2019
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Turn7 said:
Prefer a Timesert to a helicoil, particularly on safety related items....
Timesert looks good, not seen that system before, looks more secured than the helicoil.

Still not sure I fancy my chances of getting it nicely straight in situ but will think it over

Arnold Cunningham

4,604 posts

284 months

Wednesday 3rd July 2019
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Aluminium upright? Assuming you have clearance, should be doable and the ali is soft enough it's not to bad to rethread. Just make super sure you put the new thread in square - I suggest having a mate eyeballing it from the side/top/bottom etc while you get the tap to engage.

That said, I'm not sure how I feel about advising someone else on the internet to drill and tap holes on critical braking and suspension components. I'd be happy I could do a good job of it myself, but I don't don't know how competent you are doing this type of stuff?

warch

2,941 posts

185 months

Wednesday 3rd July 2019
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I'd bite the bullet and fit a new hub carrier. You'll have to take the whole thing off to helicoil it so it'd probably wouldn't be any more expensive. If a new hub isn't available any engineering firm should be able to sort it without a problem.

Captain Answer

Original Poster:

1,376 posts

218 months

Wednesday 3rd July 2019
quotequote all
Arnold Cunningham said:
Aluminium upright? Assuming you have clearance, should be doable and the ali is soft enough it's not to bad to rethread. Just make super sure you put the new thread in square - I suggest having a mate eyeballing it from the side/top/bottom etc while you get the tap to engage.

That said, I'm not sure how I feel about advising someone else on the internet to drill and tap holes on critical braking and suspension components. I'd be happy I could do a good job of it myself, but I don't don't know how competent you are doing this type of stuff?
It's steel so bit harder, currently considering just pulling out the strut and getting an engineering shop to sort but will wait till my mechanic is back to work tomorrow and see what he suggests then.

I'd be happy enough to drill and thread if it were a bit more linear access or off and in a vice/press drill but with it being in situ I am not sure I fancy it.

Could use cordless drill to drill then thread & fit helicoil or timecert but wondering if that is strong enough for braking