Cross threaded like an amateur

I'm installing the support brackets for the bumper I put on yesterday and managed to crossthread the sway bar mounting bolts on the driver's side. I caught myself a few threads in, but I apparently damaged the threads on the frame, as it's now rolling over the threads on fresh bolts. So now I wait for a tap/die set m10x1.25..

Good thing I don't need the winch for the moment.

 

Of all the bolts to cross thread, those suck the most on that job lol.

 

There's really not much to work with there, although at least they're relatively out in the open. We'll see how it goes, I guess.

 

You should be able to repair the threads, if not you drill it out and drop in a bolt from the top.

Education sucks when you're trying to have fun.

 

I didn't even consider that route - do I have relatively easy access to the back side?

 

No, some times you have to drill another hole above to drop the bolt it, or fish it in with a magnet. It's all bastard, but an alternative.

 

Thanks for the ideas - hopefully I can just tap it back and move on, but I get the feeling this is going to be annoying.

 

Wonder if a helicoil would work.

 

Well, I'll let you know. I did order a pack as a backup to the backup plan.

 

A good habit to form is to begin bolts/nuts....fasteners with threads by hand first. Run the fastener on a couple turns using your fingers.

Then get on it with the ratchet, impact, box end.........

 

There is nothing worse than that "did I just cross thread this damn bolt" feeling! Good luck with the fix; I think your tap clean up will do the trick.

 

Speaking of clean up, I usually try to clean up any nuts and bolt I’m reusing before trying to reinstall then. Especially any that come from under the vehicle.

A wire brush, not wheel, on the bolt and chasing the female threads, carefully, with a tap. This also helps in getting things torqued properly.

 

Ace had what I needed and the threads are holding just fine. Crisis averted.