80SC rear shock bolt stripped

CharlieB · 05-27-2007, 05:02 PM

New front and driver's side Bilsteins went in without any problems. Passenger side shock was a PITA but went in. Lower shock bolt wouldn't torque up. Pulled the bolt and about 1/4 inch of the end was stripped smooth. Can I tap the steel insert in the trailing arm to clean up the threads? Where can I get a tap for the 14X1.50X85 bolt??

patkeefe · 05-27-2007, 07:01 PM

Tap won't help. You need to Heli-coil the trailing arm...I did that on mine.
I think I have a picture around here somewhere.

CharlieB · 05-27-2007, 08:20 PM

Pat: Thanks for the reply. Any help, photos, etc. will be of great assistance. Did you have to pull the trailing arm to do the heli-coil? Would usually expect the insert to strip but not the bolt itself!!

patkeefe · 05-27-2007, 08:30 PM

Charlie:
If the bolt was stripped, chances are the hole is boogered. Did you try another bolt to see how it goes in?
No, I did it with the trailing arm in place. I'll try to find the pictures in the morning; I know I took some when I did the work. I'll see what length coils I used on the arm.

CharlieB · 05-27-2007, 08:52 PM

Pat: I agree that the problem is with the hole. The threads on the end of the bolt look flattened with no space in between the threads. Probably about four threads worth on the end. The bolt came out O.K. and I cleaned all the threads before re-inserting it in the trailing arm. Don't have another bolt, the other bolt is all torqued down on the driver's side shock. I ain't touching that one!! I'll buy a couple of new bolts on Tuesday, hopefully the local bolt place stocks the size! You don't think it's worth a try to chase out the hole with a new bolt or tap/chaser??

Porsche_monkey · 05-28-2007, 05:14 AM

I would tap it (using a bottoming tap) and re-install a new bolt the torque it to the specified value.

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

#3 bottom tap, then try a new bolt with anti-seize lube for torqueing.
If that doesn't work, Helicoil.
Use the recommended drill sizes.

CharlieB · 05-28-2007, 04:38 PM

Thanks guys! As usual great advice. Will try the bottom tap and new bolt first with crossed fingers. If all else fails-- drill it and helicoil it!!!! Stay tuned!!