bonehead move: stripped caliper threads

[jks67ss396]

Guys

I got sick and tired of my "not-so-quiet" pads and got new pads today. As i was putting the caliper bolt back in (lubed with brake quiet, but the threads on the bolt and holes were clean and dry), got to about 25 lb ft and the thread stripped.

So, maybe it was just that holes time to strip. i still feel like a bonehead...

Ive see some folks put a helicoil there. others tried and screwed up. , but ive never done a helicoil.

So the way i see it is ive got 3 options:

1)try a helicoil and hopefully get it aligned correctly.
2)new spindle... 71 5 lug, stock height... where do i get that? not sure if a 6 lug spindle is the same...
3)try these: dorman 13890. oversized caliper bolt. but i have read this is a one time deal and im still faced with #1 or #2 next time the caliper comes off.

So maybe i just have 2 options...

What do you guys think? Have any of you done a helicoil here?

thanks!

[jks67ss396]

Also, if you guys can confirm the caliper mounting bolts are 7/16 in.-20?

I think id need heli-coil 5528-7

thanks!

[special-K]

The threads are in the backing plate. I believe you can buy new ones

[jks67ss396]

backing plates, as in dust shields??? i dont think mine are like that. mine looked like the threads are part of the spindle/knuckle... 71 C10, 5 lug... did something change mid 71??

thanks

[kelsfine69]

No Pretty sure they are part of the spindle. I would go to a wrecker.

[jks67ss396]

Originally Posted by kelsfine69

No Pretty sure they are part of the spindle. I would go to a wrecker.

It seems like the spindle i would need is either 71 or 72? other years are different.

Is a 5 and 6 lug spindle the same?

If not, id be looking for a needle in a haystack...

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by jks67ss396

Guys

I got sick and tired of my "not-so-quiet" pads and got new pads today. As i was putting the caliper bolt back in (lubed with brake quiet, but the threads on the bolt and holes were clean and dry), got to about 25 lb ft and the thread stripped.

So, maybe it was just that holes time to strip. i still feel like a bonehead...

Ive see some folks put a helicoil there. others tried and screwed up. , but ive never done a helicoil.

So the way i see it is ive got 3 options:

1)try a helicoil and hopefully get it aligned correctly.
2)new spindle... 71 5 lug, stock height... where do i get that? not sure if a 6 lug spindle is the same...
3)try these: dorman 13890. oversized caliper bolt. but i have read this is a one time deal and im still faced with #1 or #2 next time the caliper comes off.

So maybe i just have 2 options...

What do you guys think? Have any of you done a helicoil here?

thanks!

I've heli-coiled them in the past and never had one re-strip or fail. I do install them with JB weld, and tap thread them after the epoxy dries.

A complete set of reamers would sure come in handy for stuff like that, but I never pulled the trigger. That would be a lot easier than trying to drill it out straight. Maybe you could get one reamer for that job if you are worried about getting it drilled straight. Good luck, most of us have had that happen so don't feel bad.

[jks67ss396]

Originally Posted by mechanicalman

I've heli-coiled them in the past and never had one re-strip or fail. I do install them with JB weld, and tap thread them after the epoxy dries.

A complete set of reamers would sure come in handy for stuff like that, but I never pulled the trigger. That would be a lot easier than trying to drill it out straight. Maybe you could get one reamer for that job if you are worried about getting it drilled straight. Good luck, most of us have had that happen so don't feel bad.

thanks man!

i figure i might as well try. ill just step up the bits real slow. the video i saw used red loctite. As long as i can get 35 lbft on the bolt at install, its probably ok, right?

thanks!

[Davidf]

My suggestion is to avoid "heli-coils" and use a "Time-sert". A much better mouse trap and very easy to install. Will be just as strong as the original hole and thus safer for use on the braking system.

[jks67ss396]

Originally Posted by Davidf

My suggestion is to avoid "heli-coils" and use a "Time-sert". A much better mouse trap and very easy to install. Will be just as strong as the original hole and thus safer for use on the braking system.

a lot more expensive for those time-serts...

but for either helicoil or time-serts, i need a specific length.

so im thinking that id need the 7/16 -20 with a .25 or .375 length.

it seems like having too long of an insert would be a bad thing...

Can you guys confirm the 7/16-20?

thanks guys

[special-K]

Sorry, haven't been into my 2wd for a while and remembered wrong. I have the 4wds in mind I guess. Dust shield/backing plate, same thing to me. No harm in trying heli-coil or other thread correction first. If need be, oversize would be good as new.

[michael bustamante]

the 71 72 spindles are in a class by themselves. i bet someone on here has a nice one to sell you, just look on the for sale section.