silver97ex Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Hey guys/girls, I ran into a slight issue today. So my UCA bushings were shot (Calmini 3" lift). I got replacement bushings and sleeves from Steve at Rugged Rocks (great guy and very helpful). I went into my work today to replace them, so I could have a lift, air tools, and an alignment rack Bushings went in no problem but when I was doing the alignment I ran into a problem. I put the proper shims in and was tightening the bolts that hold the upper control arm...arm? to the frame. Maybe its called an upper spindle arm? I'm not sure, it is what the control arm mounts to and this bar mounts to the frame. Either way, the front bolt on the right side pulled the threads out of the frame. I got a bolt to kinda tighten so I was able to get it home, where it will sit for a while, I will drive my other car. I keep telling myself its a perfect time for a SAS but I still don't have the funds for that. I can't really think of any other option though, helicoil? Drill and tap it for a larger bolt? Any ideas? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MY1PATH Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 I had the same problem. Timeserts are your friend. http://www.timesert.com/ since the hole has no bottom a helicoil could work its way out with repeated use of the bolt. The timesert has a flare that seats into countersink arround the hole and if thats not enough the installtion tool expands them and cold works them into the repair hole. Helicoils must be installed and kept 'dry' as grease may make them slip and locktite may make them come out with the bolt.... I still have my timesert kit with 3 inserts left... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver97ex Posted March 27, 2011 Author Share Posted March 27, 2011 Thanks, I will check that site out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver97ex Posted March 27, 2011 Author Share Posted March 27, 2011 hey MY1PATH, did you just use the same size timesert? 14x1.5? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MY1PATH Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I used the same size as the stock bolt and the same length as the nut. Longer ones will not cold work into the hole properly because they go past the nut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver97ex Posted March 28, 2011 Author Share Posted March 28, 2011 Same length as the nut? Isn't it just a threaded hole on the frame or is there a nut welded on the back side that I can't seem to get to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MY1PATH Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 There is a nut welded to the inside of the frame. Going oversize will not leave you enough material to safely hold the bolt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver97ex Posted March 30, 2011 Author Share Posted March 30, 2011 Good to know, thanks. By the way, do you remember the length you got? I can't even see the nut, let alone see how to measure it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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