Steering knuckle threads stripped

Was just out replacing lower control arms and when reinstalling the new ones, the threads on the passenger side steering knuckle got stripped. Not sure how, I’ve only been using hand tools. Don’t want to pay for a new knuckle, is there anything else I can do?

 

Iv been there. Sadly I dont really trust a helicoil or anything on such an important part. Just buy a new knuckle

 

What threads?
Was it the LBJ mount ones?

 

I've managed to restore those threads, but you need to be 100% sure they are fixed.

Honestly you could probably remove the knuckle and bring it to a machine shop, theyd fix it in minutes.

It's not a standard tap size, you wont find it at a tool store.

Next time pry down on the upper control arm to help line up the bolts.

 

Yeah the ones for the bracket underneath the ball joint

 

That definitely sounds like a cheaper option, how much does it usually run?
And I had a ratchet strap around the upper and lower arms to line the bolts up, it seemed to do the job but maybe that’s why it stripped.

 

Yeah, It's usually because the threads get cross threaded when installing them.

At least its an "easy" fix.

 

I used to loosen the upper a arms to do these alone.

I have 100% cross threaded these. On spacer lifts they are a massive dick to reinstall, especially tundra.

I have no idea what a machine shop would charge, but its cheaper than a knuckle. I imagine a knuckle would be 200-300$

 

Yeah that makes sense, I probably should’ve cranked the strap a couple more times. Hopefully I can find a shop that can rethread it then it’ll be “easy” enough

 

That’s not a bad move, I might loosen em too just to be safe.
Yeah I’ve got spacers on mine, probably a contributor
And yeah I mean it’s gotta be cheaper, im gonna look into it a little more because if it ends up being pricey enough I might just go with replacing for better longevity

 

Where are you located? I have an odd one out. I can check which side it is when I get back Friday.

 

Thank you so much for offering! I’m in northern Virginia and will gladly pay you if we can figure something out

 

well, you can change it to use a bigger bolt
Repair it with helicoil or timesert
Timesert is stronger than helicoil

or buy yourself some brand new knuckles on RockAuto and take them somewhere to be gusseted and powder coated

then slap them on and enjoy having a stronger good looking knuckle

or, find one new or used that’s stock and slap it on if you’re only trying to fix one side and end up with a stock result.

 

Thank you so much, those all sound like good options. I’m going to have to assess some stuff before making a decision and having all the alternatives will be a biggg help

 

Personally Id find one on marketplace or on here. As long as you can be reasonably sure it wasnt bent from hard wheeling or a front end wreck that would be the easiest

 

That probably would be the cheapest/most effective, but I dont think I have the time to search for one. I’m relying on roommates to drive me places and there’s some things that are just too far away

 

I have an extra Driver side (L) knuckle with an ABS sensor and some extra Lower Ball Joint bolts if it helps.

 

I really appreciate the offer, but I only need the passenger side. Woulda been too good to be true if it lined up

 

The thing is, depending on the bolt grade and engagement depth of the thread.
A Helicoil is usually stronger than the material it's going into.
The problem is, it's not "right". And it's a steering component. It’s one of those things you know will work. But you just don’t do it.

 

I have been pretty worried about all this because of how important the part is, but being a broke college kid, I don’t have the best funds during the school year. Do you think that it’d be a bad idea to get it rethreaded for now until I can be more comfortable financially in the summer, and fully replace it then?