Swaybar Bushing bracket hole cross threaded - thoughts?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 44
Likes: 5
From: Wisconsin
Swaybar Bushing bracket hole cross threaded - thoughts?
Hi All,
I found a bit of information with regard to the drivers side (front) say bar bushing bracket holes. Mine are cross thread and the bolts will not seat all the way home. I have the bolts in about 3/4 of the way in, but don't want to tighten further in fear of snapping the bolts themselves. The bushing itself is not moving, however curious if anyone has feedback on driving the car with the bolts tight, but no seated to the frame?
No doubt, likely best bet is to drill and re-tap, and insert a helicoil. Has anyone have experience in doing so, without using a drill-press I am concerned about getting the hole straight.
Greatly appreciate any feedback, thank you!
I found a bit of information with regard to the drivers side (front) say bar bushing bracket holes. Mine are cross thread and the bolts will not seat all the way home. I have the bolts in about 3/4 of the way in, but don't want to tighten further in fear of snapping the bolts themselves. The bushing itself is not moving, however curious if anyone has feedback on driving the car with the bolts tight, but no seated to the frame?
No doubt, likely best bet is to drill and re-tap, and insert a helicoil. Has anyone have experience in doing so, without using a drill-press I am concerned about getting the hole straight.
Greatly appreciate any feedback, thank you!
Last edited by SBDCWI; May 17, 2023 at 08:13 PM.
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
I'd take the bolt out and cut it down. If there are enough threads, the bolt will hold. It is important that your bracket has presure against it.
Or.... redo the threads. That is what I would do.
Or.... redo the threads. That is what I would do.
No Hostility Be Happy
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 10,082
Likes: 7,398
From: South Hill Wa
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Helicoil without a doubt. Fix it right.
There are a lot of people that think helicoils are a band aid but the reality is a properly done helicoil is worlds better than straight aluminum threads.
There are a lot of people that think helicoils are a band aid but the reality is a properly done helicoil is worlds better than straight aluminum threads.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 469
Likes: 162
From: Port Birmingham AL
I would remove the bolts and chase the threads in the mount with a tap. Inspect the threads, and if good, thread in a new bolt to torque specs.
If that does not fix the problem, then use a helicoil to repair.
Larry
If that does not fix the problem, then use a helicoil to repair.
Larry
No Hostility Be Happy
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 10,082
Likes: 7,398
From: South Hill Wa
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I would normally agree with you but when OP said the bolts are as much as 3/4s the way in I would not have high hopes in the chasing department. It would be one thing if just the first couple of threads were dicked up.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 44
Likes: 5
From: Wisconsin
Just an update for any folks who run into a similar issue with the tapped threads in the frame. I greatly appreciate everyone's suggestions and help! I will still install Helicoil's in the future, but for the time being as able to chase the thread very easily, all went back together great. Only second step was having to remove the nut on the endlink so that bar could move a little bit to help things align correctly. Easy enough and fixed!
Cheers!
Cheers!
