When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
[amateur mechanic alert on]
I stripped my clutch slave threads in the aluminum bell housing.
What are the options to fix it:
1. Helicoil - drill, tap and insert the helicoil.
+ permanent solution
+ reversible
2. Loctite thread repair kit
- is it strong enough
3. Epoxy
+ permanent
- irreversible
What fastener to use:
1. New Bolts -
- still uses soft aluminum every time the clutch slave comes off.
2. Stud/nut - using red Loctite or epoxy to permanently set the stud.
+ doesn't disturb the aluminum
+ if 1 nut comes off, the clutch slave stays in place.
I'm torn between:
1. Helicoil and stud w/ red loctite,
- this requires removing the transmission, on jack stands, to drill and tap.
2. Epoxy and studs.
+ this doesn't require removing the transmission
- will it be strong enough for a track only car. (ACT HD clutch)
[amateur mechanic alert off]
The real question:
Will epoxy and stud work?
Transmission removal and re-install is a big job alone on jack stands for an old guy.
Fill hole with JB Weld. Allow to cure. Re-drill and tap, being careful to not drill too deep and to keep threads square to boss surface. Permanent fix, cheap and fairly easy.
I'd be deciding between helicoil or drilling out ever so slightly and using 1 step bigger bolts
I thought about tapping to the next largest size, but ...
The stock bolts are M8x1.25x20mm. The next largest size M10 won't fit through the clutch slave holes.
I've dealt with a transmission where some junkyard "mechanic" stripped one of the holes. The holes are tapped deeper than what is needed. You may be able to drill out damaged threads, then thread a longer bolt (like a 25 or 30mm) into the hole and catch enough good thread to make it work.
I got studs and found the holes are already longer than the stock bolts used. So there are still good threads a little deeper. I gently screwed the studs in. I used the epoxy, but I probably could have gotten by with Red Loctite.
Thread necro with helpful information for other future hamfisted modders. There is an exhaust stud replacement kit for Nissan vehicles in the correct size to correct this failure. Studs are M8-1.25 x 38mm, which gives good engagement to the extra thread depth in the house, and enough additional protruding for a flange nut.
09-13-2015, 04:59 PM
Stripped clutch slave bell housing threads.
0
