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john 33_16v · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 6:46 pm Post subject: Front Hub thread repair -helicoil

Hi,

Jobs list on 33 going well, cambelts, oil/filter, front wheel bearing play, front pads all done in last few weeks or so.

Also decided to finally get around to repairing the thread on one of my front hub-strut bolts which has been dicky for years and had a (bent)nut and bolt Embarassed

. I bought the toolkit months and months ago off ebay. It's not a genuine helicoil but does the same job. Suprisingly straightforward.

1) Drill out hole- used an in between 10mm bit before the bit in the toolkit.
2) Tap it out
3) Insert coil and punch off 'tang'.
4) Put original bolt back in

Pics

John
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If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
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93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

lee16v · Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 6:57 pm Post subject:

Top piece of kit John. Will always come in handy on an Alfas rusty threads!

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2990 Location: U.K Surrey

nice one john, why does it always seem to be the top one that fails, ive had them go on 2 of my cars. I might have a go one day at what you have just done.
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

Ben_nz · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 6:19 am Post subject:

I've had my mechanic do that on one of my cars, and the other car still has dodgy half-munched threads on a few of the hub sockets and bolts.

What do you do if the thread on the bolt is also gone? The bolts are tapered on the ends to help them locate into the holes, but this is a bit of a curse because the metal is too much like cheese to reject a bolt which is cross-threading, resulting in damage to bolt and socket.
I am super-careful now when lining the strut up with the hub and fitting these bolts back in, but I would like everything to be repaired properly.
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"Now, all that is left to do ... is wait that something else brokens, to fix up again!"

john 33_16v · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 7:50 am Post subject:

Hi,

I guess that if the tread on the bolt has gone to, it must be replaced with a good used one or a long bolt would have to be machined down to give the taper.

Part of the problem is that it is such a cowson to line up the hub with the strut face, and as such easy to slightly misalign the bolts and strip threads. I always remove the track rod end from the shocker and loosen the top turret nuts, whic helps a bit.

The nsf shocker on my car had been replaced before i bought my car, supposedly by a specialist. They had obviously managed to part muller the thread in question, and even bugger the tread on one of top turret studs by forcing on a nut with the wrong guage thread Confused

.

Over the years as i've replaced shockers, had engine out 3 times etc, the thread on the hub has got worse and worse.

Anyway the helicoil process is very straightforward and i'd recommend doing it.

John
_________________
If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

paulhide · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 9:18 am Post subject:

If the bolt is buggered I have just used normal bolts once or twice, but now probably have a number of spare bolts if anyone wants any.
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Owner's Club 33 Registrar. Now from P4 & S2 1.7 QV
http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5188

john 33_16v · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 10:27 am Post subject:

Paul, can you put my name on 2 good bolts please for spares?

Are you going to be at SAD?

Cheers,

John
_________________
If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

paulhide · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 11:46 am Post subject:

Hi John, yes I am going to SAD. Fancy joining up on route with me and hopefully a few others? I'll see how many bolts I've got spare.
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Owner's Club 33 Registrar. Now from P4 & S2 1.7 QV
http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5188

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2990 Location: U.K Surrey

I have got removing the struts down to a fine art, from changing springs.
I found that jacking the whole front and keeping the steering straight makes the job much easier.
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

john 33_16v · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 3:14 pm Post subject:

bobbber · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 11:32 am Post subject:

John,

I have a problem with one of the bolts on a head cover. Just-blooding-soddingly-enough on one of the front corners. As a result oil pisses out of it constantly Crying or Very sad

Thinking about heli-coiling this now.

Couldn't believe this happened actually. Torqued all the bolts up and everything felt fine. Then when the engine went in it started leaking. Checked the bolt and it now has a broken thread in the engine side. Gutted.

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

john 33_16v · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 12:26 pm Post subject:

Nightmare Bobbber Crying or Very sad

I got my helicoil kit off of ebay, i think the seller was 'dave the Tools' or similar. They have loads of kits for different dia and thread pitch.

For spark plug repairs in ally heads they seem to be different kits that don't require drilling. The tap simply cuts a much bigger thread, then the helicoil spring fills it back out to standard size.

It's a really effective repair but you've obviously gotta get the tools in possibly including an electric drill.

Cheers,

John
_________________
If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

bobbber · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 3:27 pm Post subject:

Is that the British kit John???

If so, the manufacturer is in the next building to where I'm sat right now! Laughing

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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

john 33_16v · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 5:10 pm Post subject: