I was finishing the pad install on my sisters 01 cavalier, as I have done many times. I finished once side, then went to the other and was tightening the bottom caliper bolt. I started to notice that the bolt was not getting tighter at all, so i removed the caliper to find that the actual car knuckle was stripped not the bolt. I assume the fact that it was really rusted caused this? Any ideas what to do about this? Can this be re tapped or do i need a new knuckle?
Pics..
If i re-tap won't i need a larger caliper bolt?
Looks like many use a heli coil kit when this happens.. How do i know what size heli coil kit to get?
I took the bolt to the parts store and they matched it up witht ehhelicoil kit that will fit.
Ryan1
yep - helicoil is your only fix.
How the hell did you manage that? lol
well....its not the only fix... could always get another knuckle if need be... helicoil is the cheaper (yet effective) route though lol
i had the same problem with my buddys cavalier I just re tap it, It works well, Just added a little bit of threat lock on it for extra insurnace, I am not fimilar with recoil.
Anyways good luck.
id say the heli-coil is your best bet... unless you really wanna go to the scrap yard and buy a knuckle...
I'm assuming its because the knuckle was very rusted, not sure. I found out the size is M11 X 1.50, this may help others who have this problem. Looks like no store stocks this odd size helicoil, except for ebay. I guess the car will be on jack stands for a couple days..
Anyone know the torque spec for the caliper mounting bolts? Just looked online and read 28 and 38 ft lbs..
Anyone know the torque spec?
Just make sure its tight,for me that's what i always did and hasn't failed yet.
drill and re-tap...
... or find another obessed j-body owner with spare parts. I have a duplicate set of everything at my house from my old parts car, including knuckles.
