Can You reuse Helicoils

[Jeep914x4]

I had to drill out the holes to the bolts that hold the calipers on the steering knuckle (arm.. whatever). The question I have is can I take them out to replace the ball joints and reuse them or are they just a one time only thing.

Do I need new steering arms?

Thanks.
Mike M., New Mexico

 

[RCP Phx]

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What you said doesnt make any sense.What does the caliper mounting holes have to do with the ball-joints?Once installed Heli-coils" are permanent.Please try to explain more on whats going on!

 

[Moto]

I think I understand what you are saying. You have repaired the threads for the bolts that hold the caliper on, and you were wondering if you can take those bolts out to remove the caliper so you can replace the ball joint, but are not sure if the helicoiled threads will still be good once you take the caliper bolts out. Right? And the answer is they should be, but it really depends on how well the helicoils were installed. If the Helicoils remain in the hole like they should, and havent started to unthread themselves when you remove the bolts, then you should be all set. Helicoils are supposed to be a permanent form of thread repair and are made of very strong metal and in some cases may actually be stonger than the original threads. Just watch to make sure that they don't try to come out with the bolt.

 

[Jeep914x4]

Moto, you caught my drift. I have to take the calipers off to replace the balljoints. I don't want to do it right now if I can't put the caliper bolts back on.

What are my options if the helicoils come out with the bolts? All 4 of them are heli coiled (stupid brake shop a friend worked at!!). My chances of at least one or two not working out so well might be good.

Thanks for the help

 

[Moto]

Chances are the coils will stay in, if they back out take them out as far as you can so you get all it out. If that happens chase the thread with a tap and make sure all the threads in the hole are good and install new helicoils, if the threads are toast then have someone weld up the holes and re-drill them

 

[MudDawg]

If the Heli-coils come out, and the threads are whacked or never were right...you MIGHT be able to go to a different kind of insert, like a Keen-sert...I dunno for sure..depends on how bunged up it is..but a properly sized and installed heli-coil is a permanent repair...remember to use a torque wrench....