Repair lug bolt hole threads?

[Guest Pushrod]

I just discovered two stripped lug bolt holes on the left front hub of my '42 Century when I replaced the wheels and added Diamondback radials. Other than replacement of the hub, has anyone ever repaired lug bolt hole threads, such as with a Heli-coil, or.......? Any suggestions would be appreciated, Doug Mumaw

[Guest Howard Purvis]

Doug,

I would be concerned about the load on a Helicoil repairin this application. Is there enough meat in the metal to freshen up any existing threads? The cleanest way might be to have those two studs replaced.

Howard

[Guest brh]

Never done helicoil on lugs, but only complaint is the helicoil backs out in cases of frequent loosening and tightening, in this case it should work. Only other solution would be to go up a size on the bolt and cut new threads, but a lug bolt is not a common bolt, as I remember from our 34 Olds. I would research this a little more but keep in mind once the lugs have tightened the rim to the hub they have done the majority of their job lugs hold the rim to the spindle which takes on the weight of the car the lugs hold the rim which takes weight for turns and such. If you broke 2 out of 5 lugs you can still drive the car, but drive it cautiously.

[Guest brh]

Forgot about these till I was looking for another answer to a question. Check these out for thread repair. We use these in an industrial application and they work great.

The alternative is a bushing style thread insert with locking tabs. One brand name is KeenSert. Once you install the insert, you tap the lock tabs down, wedging the insert into place so it can't back out. You can get them from McMaster Carr (www.mcmaster.com). Search for "thread insert".

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