C5 -Upper Control Arms Frame Attachment Insert broke
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 10
From: Oakville ON "Real Corvettes have folding tops..."
C5 -Upper Control Arms Frame Attachment Insert broke
How do I fix the threaded insert in the frame? If anyone has had to make such a repair I need advice
I had the upper contol arm unbolted from the frame today as I was in the process of changeing the front spring. When I went to re-attach the bolts were very stiff. I checked over and over for cross threads but could not identify it so I just strong armed it. Big mistake!!!
One of the threaded inserts in the frame rail broke free and now I can't tighten or get the bollt out. I'm sure I will have to cut the head off.
How do I fix the tread insert is my big concern. If anyone has had to make such a repair I need advice.
I had the upper contol arm unbolted from the frame today as I was in the process of changeing the front spring. When I went to re-attach the bolts were very stiff. I checked over and over for cross threads but could not identify it so I just strong armed it. Big mistake!!!
One of the threaded inserts in the frame rail broke free and now I can't tighten or get the bollt out. I'm sure I will have to cut the head off.
How do I fix the tread insert is my big concern. If anyone has had to make such a repair I need advice.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
You can buy aluminum or steel thread inserts in SAE and Metric along with a hand tool at many hardware stores. They're intended for thin gauge metal/plastic applications, however. They're in no way intended for the stress that a control arm would probably be put under.
You might have to resort to GM, or a body shop/frame shop for advice on your situation. There are heavy duty versions available for commercial use.
Do an internet search using keyword "heavy duty threaded insert tool" and you'll find a number of sources for the tools and inserts. The cost for the tool and inserts for just one repair might be expensive.
You might have to resort to GM, or a body shop/frame shop for advice on your situation. There are heavy duty versions available for commercial use.
Do an internet search using keyword "heavy duty threaded insert tool" and you'll find a number of sources for the tools and inserts. The cost for the tool and inserts for just one repair might be expensive.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Oct 27, 2007 at 07:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 10
From: Oakville ON "Real Corvettes have folding tops..."
You can buy aluminum or steel thread inserts in SAE and Metric along with a hand tool at many hardware stores. They're intended for thin gauge metal/plastic applications, however. They're in no way intended for the stress that a control arm would probably be put under.
You might have to resort to GM, or a body shop/frame shop for advice on your situation. There are heavy duty versions available for commercial use.
Do an internet search using keyword "heavy duty threaded insert tool" and you'll find a number of sources for the tools and inserts. The cost for the tool and inserts for just one repair might be expensive.
You might have to resort to GM, or a body shop/frame shop for advice on your situation. There are heavy duty versions available for commercial use.
Do an internet search using keyword "heavy duty threaded insert tool" and you'll find a number of sources for the tools and inserts. The cost for the tool and inserts for just one repair might be expensive.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7,727
Likes: 7
From: Twilight zone
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I am not certain without seeing it,but I used an insert tool for some of the smaller sizes(as in the skid bar attachment points).
My gut tells me you need a lot of strength in that area,so I am not really sure if they are inserts or not.If they are,it should not be that big of deal to replace,but it may be expensive for a one or two time deal, as has already been stated.
That's all the info I can give at this time......hope for inserts there
My gut tells me you need a lot of strength in that area,so I am not really sure if they are inserts or not.If they are,it should not be that big of deal to replace,but it may be expensive for a one or two time deal, as has already been stated.
That's all the info I can give at this time......hope for inserts there
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 10
From: Oakville ON "Real Corvettes have folding tops..."
The problem insert broke free and can't remove bolt.
Rear holes drivers side bolts removed
Close up of inserts on passenger side
I need to replace the insert on the drivers side.
Shocks have been removed. I am installing 2004 Z06 Springs shocks and sway bars and this is one of those PIA delays.
Anyone had this problem???
Rear holes drivers side bolts removed
Close up of inserts on passenger side
I need to replace the insert on the drivers side.
Shocks have been removed. I am installing 2004 Z06 Springs shocks and sway bars and this is one of those PIA delays.
Anyone had this problem???
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,029
Likes: 9,779
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Get the rest of the work done and install 3 of the bolts and get the car to a dealers shop. You will need to do a re-alignment anyways so let them fix the insert while doing the alignment. If it isn't too far away you may be able to drive the car there as long as you keep speeds and cornering forces to a minimum. You could also have the car flatbedded and maybe your insurance would cover the flatbed/towing charge.
Bill
Bill
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Newcastle, UK
Give some of your local sheet metal shops a call. Tell them the bolt size and the thickness of the material where the insert is attached. They might well have a hand tool available that'll pull in a new insert for you.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
The bracket that the "inserts" are in appears to be part #10421764, I can't see a seperate part number for the "inserts". The bracket appears to be welded to the frame, so a body shop, worst case, should be able to replace the bracket. The upper control arm mounting bolts are only supposed to be torqued to 48 lb/ft.
The bolt is listed in the parts manual for a 1999 as part #11515768 and if this description helps in locating aan "insert" here's what the parts manual says ...
BOLT, HFH, M10x1.5x40, 30 THD, 22.3 OD, 10.9 MAT, 7114M FIN. MACH, RED BDY (Frt Upr Cont Arm)
I'd do as others recommend and take it to an auto shop or body shop and get their opinion .... if the car is undriveable, the pictures you posted above should be fine for a Corvette specialist to understand what the problem is, just take the pictures in.
Good luck,
The bolt is listed in the parts manual for a 1999 as part #11515768 and if this description helps in locating aan "insert" here's what the parts manual says ...
BOLT, HFH, M10x1.5x40, 30 THD, 22.3 OD, 10.9 MAT, 7114M FIN. MACH, RED BDY (Frt Upr Cont Arm)
I'd do as others recommend and take it to an auto shop or body shop and get their opinion .... if the car is undriveable, the pictures you posted above should be fine for a Corvette specialist to understand what the problem is, just take the pictures in.
Good luck,
Last edited by BlackZ06; Oct 28, 2007 at 08:12 AM. Reason: Add bolt info
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
Just weld a couple of tacks around the outside perimeter of the insert, and then you can get the bolt out. After the bolt is out grind off your tacks and you can replace the insert. You will probaply have to build up the hole with weld, and re-drill to the proper size before you install the new insert; as it sounds like the hole has been enlarged from the insert turning inside of it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7,727
Likes: 7
From: Twilight zone
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Just weld a couple of tacks around the outside perimeter of the insert, and then you can get the bolt out. After the bolt is out grind off your tacks and you can replace the insert. You will probaply have to build up the hole with weld, and re-drill to the proper size before you install the new insert; as it sounds like the hole has been enlarged from the insert turning inside of it.
That's my initial thoughts on the matter
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 10
From: Oakville ON "Real Corvettes have folding tops..."
Took the car to Powell Motorsports in Port Perry ON today and had Devon repair the insert. We tried TIG welding the old one but that didn't work. We then welded a 10.9 nut to a steel bar and installed it in the frame. TIG welded everything and it works fine. Once the welds were ground down and painted you would never know there was a repair. I now have one that is stronger than all the rest. I am pleased as can be. Can't thank Devon enough they do great work at the race shop!...
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 10
From: Linton IN
Took the car to Powell Motorsports in Port Perry ON today and had Devon repair the insert. We tried TIG welding the old one but that didn't work. We then welded a 10.9 nut to a steel bar and installed it in the frame. TIG welded everything and it works fine. Once the welds were ground down and painted you would never know there was a repair. I now have one that is stronger than all the rest. I am pleased as can be. Can't thank Devon enough they do great work at the race shop!...
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Took the car to Powell Motorsports in Port Perry ON today and had Devon repair the insert. We tried TIG welding the old one but that didn't work. We then welded a 10.9 nut to a steel bar and installed it in the frame. TIG welded everything and it works fine. Once the welds were ground down and painted you would never know there was a repair. I now have one that is stronger than all the rest. I am pleased as can be. Can't thank Devon enough they do great work at the race shop!...
