Redmond49 Posted May 7, 2014 Report Share Posted May 7, 2014 Hi, I managed to get my brake job finished, but along the way I unfortunately messed up the threads on one front left bolt and in the corresponding hole in the brake drum. I've rented this thread restorer kit from Autozone, and the blurb says you can use it on both left and right threaded items. I get how to use the file, but how do you use the nut and tap for left threads? It also seems like the bolts I have that are labeled L match the thickness and thread for the right-threaded bolts described in the parts book. For example, the parts book says the left hand threaded bolts are #18, but when I lay the file against the driver's side bolts (labeled L), the #20 file fits perfectly against the threads while the #18 file doesn't fit at all. Thanks for any help. T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navyboy Posted May 7, 2014 Report Share Posted May 7, 2014 is it like a tap and dye? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redmond49 Posted May 7, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 7, 2014 Yes - it's from a tap and die kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Coatney Posted May 7, 2014 Report Share Posted May 7, 2014 For this critical application I would replace the bolt and install a helicoil in the drum. http://www.mcmaster.com/#=ruuptf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJ194950 Posted May 7, 2014 Report Share Posted May 7, 2014 (edited) Yes - it's from a tap and die kit. You can use the thread file ONLY with the left hand threads-Unless the set is for left hand threads totally, I doubt it as left hand threads are rare these days on most cars. If I understand Don's link, over $100 could be spent fot the Set (drill, oversize tap for new helicoil, and heli coil.), seems if so, time to find another hub or hub with drum. Maybe check with a local machine shop to do the job for less-they may own the tools. Doug Edited May 7, 2014 by DJ194950 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redmond49 Posted May 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Thanks for the replies. I had this drum machined and shoes/pads fitted specially to it, so I'll probably try to save the drum. Not sure how to find a new matching bolt, the usual sources don't seem to have any. I perused the McMaster site, and I didn't see any with the tapered section between the threads and the top section of the bolt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulu Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 (edited) Boat trailers use that same bolt. I got a set of 20 chrome ones at a boat shop, lefts and rights, for less that Bernbaum asks for a set of 5 OEMs. Edited May 8, 2014 by Ulu 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_shel_ny Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 mitchell motor parts, or collectorsautosupply will sell you one 1/2 -20 bolt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TodFitch Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Napa lists both the left and right hand threaded lug bolts: Right hand thread: http://www.ply33.com/Parts/group22#386984 Left hand thread: http://www.ply33.com/Parts/group22#856981 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redmond49 Posted May 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Thanks for the sources -- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.