Dodgefran Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 I need techniques for cleaning out the rusty rear wheel bolt threads. Is there a tool to do the job. I have the right and left hand threaded bolts and neither work. Thanks in advance. Quote
kencombs Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 If you have a spare bolt of each thread, cut a 4 grooves parallel with the bolt's length for an inch or so. I use a little air cutoff tool with a thin disk Soak the hole and bolt with a good rust penetrate oil. Run the bolt in and out. Blow the threads clean with air, repeat as many times as needed. This process won't damage threads as a tap might. It really speeds things up if you can drive the bolt with a drill or impact wrench. Doesn't need to be a lug bolt, just a matching thread. Quote
JBNeal Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 A stiff steel bristle brush used for cleaning welds, worked parallel to the threads, could do a fair amount of cleaning...a small triangular file can be used to open up the starting thread on the lug stud to get lug nuts started, apply penetrating oil to lubricate the threads, and tighten by hand until binding occurs, then remove nut, clean threads with a rag, etc and repeat until satisfactory. The lug nut is slowly removing crud from the lug stud with this method, with the nut threads somewhat chiseling against the bolt threads. Using an impact wrench for nut removal is OK but running the nut up by hand reduces the risk of stripping threads. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 get a thread file...... ALLSTAR PERFORMANCE Thread File 9/10/12/16/ 20/27/28/32 TPI 11038 | eBay no shop should be without one but I admit I do not yet own a metric variety.....need to get one on order. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 done and done.....should be here July 14 USA made product.... Quote
kencombs Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 1 hour ago, JBNeal said: A stiff steel bristle brush used for cleaning welds, worked parallel to the threads, could do a fair amount of cleaning...a small triangular file can be used to open up the starting thread on the lug stud to get lug nuts started, apply penetrating oil to lubricate the threads, and tighten by hand until binding occurs, then remove nut, clean threads with a rag, etc and repeat until satisfactory. The lug nut is slowly removing crud from the lug stud with this method, with the nut threads somewhat chiseling against the bolt threads. Using an impact wrench for nut removal is OK but running the nut up by hand reduces the risk of stripping threads. I responded as if he was using bolts, not nuts. So he can pick and choose. 35 minutes ago, Plymouthy Adams said: get a thread file...... ALLSTAR PERFORMANCE Thread File 9/10/12/16/ 20/27/28/32 TPI 11038 | eBay no shop should be without one but I admit I do not yet own a metric variety.....need to get one on order. Thread files work great on external threads, not so much on internals. There are special repair taps for that, but I've found a bolt with slots works just as well. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 I thought we were speaking of external....he said bolt...not nut thus my reply Quote
kencombs Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 Language issues To me a stud and nut is the terminology for most ‘normal’ wheel hardware. A bolt goes into a threaded hole in the hub. Guess that’s ‘cause I have a 56 that has (actually had) that type. not everyone sees or hears the same terms for the same thing. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 45 minutes ago, kencombs said: Language issues To me a stud and nut is the terminology for most ‘normal’ wheel hardware. A bolt goes into a threaded hole in the hub. Guess that’s ‘cause I have a 56 that has (actually had) that type. not everyone sees or hears the same terms for the same thing. it was enough to remind me that I had not yet bought a metric thread file......so for me it was a win win......? Quote
JBNeal Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 I recalled the lug nut issue coming up a few weeks ago so I kinda got the gist of the OP question...I believe he meant to say "lug stud" instead of "bolt". I had not tried the modified bolt to chase hole threads but that sounds like a good idea as it emulates a tap but not as harsh on the threads...which is helpful cuz some taps are purt'near impossible to find or are $$$$$ that I'd rather spend on something shiny Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 10, 2021 Report Posted July 10, 2021 that was fast......my Metric thread file was in the post this morning.....now to get it out to the machine shop and store in the machinist tool box...where hopefully I can find it when needed. Quote
Dodgefran Posted July 10, 2021 Author Report Posted July 10, 2021 Unfortunately ........................ It is Not a nut, That is what is so perplexing. The brake drums are the female and the bolt (which has threads and a head on it) is the Male. I can get all of the right and left handed bolts (not studs) that I need. The problem is that they are ALL 1/2 " and the caliper measurement is 7/16". It doesn't make sense BUT that is what it measures. I have the original part number, but I need a chart as Plymouthy Adams said. AND a place that sells these "non existent" 7/16" Bolts. I'm stumped. But thanks for your efforts. I really do appreciate your experience. Thanks Quote
DJ194950 Posted July 10, 2021 Report Posted July 10, 2021 EBay used to sell them but have not looked lately. DJ Quote
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