Best method of knuckle thread repair

[cs_88]

Just found out that my steering knuckle has a couple of stripped bolt holes.
I can pick up a Heli-coil kit for about $30. Just wondering if there is a better option for this application.

Thanks.

 

[Revelation]

On the Bronco What axle and what bolts are stripped? A D44 the only bolt holes are for the stops. I think.

If it is your other truck I would think drill and tap to the next larger size.

 

[cs_88]

Sorry, it's where the spindle bolts up to the knuckle on my D44.

 

[Hovtherid]

I wouldn't trust a helicoil. Buy another knuckle and replace. You can find used knuckles cheap enough. Probably enough looking you could find one cheaper that the helicoil set.

 

[bmc69]

I wouldn't trust a helicoil.

??? A properly installed Helicoil insert is stronger than the original thread.

But I agree with your statement that good knuckles can be had cheap.

EDIT: Wait..what??..what threads are in a knuckle to start with??

 

[Hovtherid]

He means the 6 holes to bolt the spindle onto the knuckle I believe. I agree helicoils can be a great fix if done right and in some softer metals required. With a drill press or Bridgeport. But I wouldn't do it with a hand drill on a bolt hole that I'm relying to hold my wheel on at 55mph. Especially when used knuckles are so cheap. A broken tap is enough headach to cause a knuckle to be purchased in itself.

 

[cs_88]

Correct. I think at least two of the six holes are in bad shape.

 

[1sicbronconut]

Yet another reason why I like using Ford parts for a disc barke swap instead of doing the Chevy parts swap. Pretty sure some folks just run bolts all the way through the knuckle kind of a PITA but it should work.

 

[Jdgephar]

Educate me a little...my disk knuckles have what looks like studs pressed in. Does the drum knuckle have bolts that thread in from the outside? What part has the threads that need to be fixed?

 

[1sicbronconut]

Ford disc brake knuckles have studs, drum brake knuckles have threaded holes.

 

[Jdgephar]

Learned my new thing for the day...FYI, I have a set of drum knuckles and spindles in the garage if you want them.

 

[cs_88]

Learned my new thing for the day...FYI, I have a set of drum knuckles and spindles in the garage if you want them.

PM sent.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I got a set of knuckles once that were stripped out and drilled for 7/16 bolts. I drilled the spindles to match and upsized the bolts to 7/16. Ran that way for many years, sold the truck, still running that way. Bolts are stronger.

 

[cs_88]

I got a set of knuckles once that were stripped out and drilled for 7/16 bolts. I drilled the spindles to match and upsized the bolts to 7/16. Ran that way for many years, sold the truck, still running that way. Bolts are stronger.

I may try this route.

Thanks.

 

[bmc69]

Ford disc brake knuckles have studs, drum brake knuckles have threaded holes.

oh, right...I forgot about that. I so seldom do anything with those knuckles that I forgot how the spindles are attached.

The drill-and-go-larger approach sounds like a good one.