Steering Knuckle /caliper bolt. (1 Viewer)

[Madronesfj62]

I was putting the last bolt in my caliper and discovered that the threads on the top hole of the steering knuckle are stripped..the bolt just keeps spinning. Any suggestions? Am I screwed? Do I just need to find a new steering knuckle?

Has anyone used a Helicoil insert for this application? I'm thinking that might be the best route if it'll handle the torque.

Feeling pretty defeated right now.

 

[duncanrm]

Unlike (for example) a headbolt the forces are lateral to the bolt so the torque demands are not great. I personally wouldn't hesitate to Helicoil this to solve the problem. I'd definitely use a thread locker on both the helicoil and bolt.

 

[Madronesfj62]

Unlike (for example) a headbolt the forces are lateral to the bolt so the torque demands are not great. I personally wouldn't hesitate to Helicoil this to solve the problem. I'd definitely use a thread locker on both the helicoil and bolt.

Thanks for the reply and reassurance. That is the direction I was going. I just wanted to make sure

 

[DrRock]

I’m doing a time-cert for added factor of safety as I have a similar issue. Mine isn’t completely stripped but funky enough to warrant a professional fix.

 

[Malleus]

Toyota recommends Timesert. I have no idea why. Maybe they own stock...

 

[OSS]

It has been said, since cars were invented, that the brakes are the most important system on the vehicle.
I would make a thread repair to keep the vehicle mobil but keep an eye out for another good used knuckle — and grab it if one becomes available — and swap it

 

[DrRock]

Time-cert, when installed properly, will be just as strong. Caveat here is there is no material loss due to previous bolt strippage.

 

[BurntToast]

Mine had a timesert or keensert when I rebuilt my axle. Totally usable and fixable

 

[3_puppies]

I know others have tapped the hole out to 1/2"? standard without issue
I was taking a rig apart a few years ago and 1 bolt on each housing was a US bolt, I think it was 1/2"

 

[lcwizard]

never had either fail but you can buy three helicoil kits for the price of one timesert kit. I have 6,8,10, 11,12 14 mm and 1/4. 5/16, 3/8, 7/16 and 1/2
SAE helicoil kits. I save the timeserts for soft metals. Been running a helicoil in one knuckle for about ten years

 

[lcolon]

I have used both and definitely prefer the timesert. The are very expensive - kind of sucks to pay north of $100 for something you may only use once in that size... I have used timesert to fix oil pans and the way that the threads lock in is superior to helicoil.

 

[Spike Strip]

As the OP can see, this is a common issue with the knuckle. The Time-Sert is a more robust thread repair, but as noted, spendy. People have used all kinds of thread repair for that spot, including, as 3 Puppies notes, a re-tap for 1/2" SAE ( ). I have yet to read or hear of any of them failing.

 

[Madronesfj62]

I think my plan for now is to try Helicoil as a repair..since the Force is lateral on that bolt I feel like that will be a safe and fairly inexpensive option. I agree that Time-Sert is a stronger option but for the price I can just find a used knuckle.

Thank you all for the feedback, I was feeling pretty overwhelmed and defeated yesterday.

 

[brian az]

I did a Helicoil on this one 3 years ago, while the knuckle was on the truck. Worked great. It was also the first time I had ever used one.

 

[mccracken]

Three of my 4 caliper mounts have helicoils in them. Coming up on 12 months w/ no issues. I’m not a mechanic but it’s working for me.