Heli-coil or Timecerts, what do you use & why
 

I'm getting ready for this operation and am more partial to the Timecerts but thought I'd ask the braintrust and get some opinions on the 2 types. Do you use one style over the other for all applications or is 1 better for aluminum/magnesium/cast pieces.
FYI I'm repairing threads in a Hewland side plate in a VW transaxle, it is for 1 of 2 bolts that hold an aluminum block that the rear calipers are bolted to.
Thanks

Finn

How much material are you going into? If the wall is thin you might only be able to use a helicoil?

At that point the side plate is about 1" thick and the threaded hole is about 3/8" from the edge. I wasn't aware that you needed a bigger threaded hole for the Timecert. Good point Craig - this is exactly the feed back/info I'm looking for.

Finn

Don't quote me on this, I only use case savers but if you have a 10mm inside thread the time sert is 12mm and the case saver is 14mm outside


Sent from me

I am not a fan of helicoils. In your application, you might want to consider tapping for studs. I used to be able to even find stepped studs.

I believe that both Helicoils and Timeserts use an STI Tap.

The drilling size for these taps are:

M8 x 1.25 Insert - 8.3mm with a max diameter of the tapped hole being 9.8mm

M12 x 1.5 Insert - 10.3mm with the max diameter of the tapped hole being 12.13mm

I would use a coarse thread into both Aluminium of Magnesium.

Let me get this straight. This is one of the studs that holds on the diferential cover on a type one transaxle case made of magnesium? And it also supports the brake caliper?

If it were me I would have the hole welded up, drilled deeper, and re-tapped for a longer, deeper stud.

What car is this on and what do the pros do in this situation?

its a Hewland side plate on a VW case on a Formula Ford