Steering Knuckle /caliper bolt.

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Madronesfj62

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Mar 15, 2017
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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.
 
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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.
 
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duncanrm said:
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.
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Thanks for the reply and reassurance. That is the direction I was going. I just wanted to make sure
 
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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.
 
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Toyota recommends Timesert. I have no idea why. Maybe they own stock...
 
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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
 
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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"
 
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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
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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.

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Back when I first started working on cars I stripped a caliper where the brake line threaded in. Having no money, brains or some one to tell me better I fixed it with a helicoil. It never failed me, don't know about next owners tho... Seriously can't believe I made it thru my teen years.
 
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onemanarmy said:
Now I'm having the stripped caliper bolt issue!....which size helicoil did you go with? The factory 12x1.25?

Thanks!
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Yes, let me know if you need a Time-Cert. I have the whole kit with extra time-certs I can mail to you for the cost of shipping. Just send it back once you are done.

Cheers, James
 
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