pkrainert

Replaced both control arms today. My problem is now one of the bolts and the threads it goes into are stripped up pretty bad. When I took it out I had to use a breaker bar until it was 1/2 way out so I knew it was going to be bad.

It is one of the back bolts (bushing with aluminum bracket) its the one on the outside (closest to the tire) I have no idea what size the bolt is I took it to a few places and there charts did not have it. Its somewhere between a m14 and an m16 I think I really have no idea.

Nothing went smooth on this install had to grind the balljoints off on both sides since the bolts both stripped with the box wrench. decided to do the brakes while I was at it... That was the only job that went ok lol about 10 mins to do.

I found this diy http://www.rs25.com/forums/f105/t641...d-threads.html But im not sure if that will work for me with all the pressure that that bolt has to take.

luvlexus101

iTrader: (6)

Helicoil maybe?

pkrainert

Maybe I have never done it. I found the part number for the bolt 54459-2Y00A

I could get a larger tap and drill and tap for a new bolt... it doesn't have to be the same size as long as its functional.

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

Check carefully - You may not be able to go deeper, you might go through the floor of the car.

pkrainert

The threads are only in the bottom part of the frame... So even if I went with a bigger size it would not effect the floor of the car. The frame is a box ( sort of ) so think of a hallow rectangle and only the bottom sheet of metal has the hole. Also there is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch gap between the frame and the floor pan at that spot.

When I said a bigger size I did not mean a longer bolt, sorry if I was unclear I just meant something with more width.

IslandMax

iTrader: (24)

Try to find an insert kit, like the guy had. You will have to drill and tap, then screw in the metal insert. Those metal inserts are pretty strong, and you can use the same bolt. But this is a fix for steel so you dont have to, can just drill and tap for a bigger bolt.

pkrainert

I am thinking drill and tap for a larger bolt would be the easiest and strongest. It would have to be pretty big though lol those bolts are a decent size lol.

I am like 95 percent sure the bolt size is m14 1.5 pitch. I guess I will order a couple replacement bolts and get a tap and hope for the best. I really dont think I have enough threads left to re-tap the same size so maybe if I can find a helicoil that size I will get it.

Trying to find this stupid bolt is maddening. All the dealers say its not stocked on the west coast and they dont seem to have a way to checking what a thread pitch and diamater is to see if they have something similar. I guess I will order it online and pay out the butt for shipping and hope it gets here sometime before 2012.

cjandura

iTrader: (3)

if you have a ace hardware around check their hardware department they actually have a nice set of thread guages there to check.the one by my went upto 24mm and 3" also check a farm supply store if that dont work out i picked up some replacement john deere wheel bolts from there that were 18mm last summer when i lost 2 of them changing a tire.

pkrainert

Checked two ace hardware. They only have 8.6 which is the equivalent to grade 5. I am pretty sure this bolt is hardened steel I should probably just pay the piper and order it.

Whatever I just ordered is 2 dollar bolt 13 bucks to ship the damn thing. But my family safety is with it.

Now I am just waiting to heat its out of stock and on back order for 1209 weeks... lol That kind of week for me.

02whitemaximase

iTrader: (38)

Go to a junkyard. I hate BO!

pkrainert

Yeah its all good man I really don't have time. I commute so by the time I get home its like 7-8. That and like 30 projects on my house I would rather just pay for the bolt lol.

nelledge

iTrader: (6)

Did you try Orchard Supply Hardware? Like the previous post says, you'll have more luck at a hardware or fastener company. At the least, they should have the little handheld thread size/pitch tool. Most NAPAs carry them as well along with a good selection of popular metric sizes. Yours looks like it's right off Texas St. Huh. How about that?


Edit: Nm, I'm too slow.

pkrainert

I already ordered the bolt. I tried OSH, Home Depot, Ace three separate stores, Lowes, Central Valley Hardware, mom and pop stores, machine shops, Napa Auto Parts, Kragen, Autozone, Vacavalley, Zellars you name it I looked lol.

edit: I am even slower... lol

pkrainert

Helicoil installed, wasn't super difficult just time consuming since you only get one try lol.