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Damaged threads while installing cat shield

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by p0cketlint, Jan 3, 2025.

  1. Jan 3, 2025 at 6:33 PM
    #21
    Radd

    Radd Well-Known Member

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    Heli-coil is easy to do and is stronger than the original threads. I have done it a number of times over the years.

    Watch a couple YouTube videos.
     
  2. Jan 3, 2025 at 6:34 PM
    #22
    auskip07

    auskip07 Well-Known Member

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    you got this. Just go slow, make sure you have the correct angle into the hole. spray, thread in thread out, spray and repeat.

    Just remember its already screwed up, how much worse can it get LOL
     
  3. Jan 3, 2025 at 6:37 PM
    #23
    545

    545 Well-Known Member

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    That whole cross bar is replaceable if you feel the need
     
  4. Jan 3, 2025 at 6:38 PM
    #24
    mit88

    mit88 Well-Known Member

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    Just make sure never look back to the bolts that were removed from them.
     
  5. Jan 3, 2025 at 6:46 PM
    #25
    p0cketlint

    p0cketlint [OP] Member

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    I am. The factory bolt has a narrower tip so think I came in at an angle before I realized.
     
  6. Jan 3, 2025 at 6:55 PM
    #26
    p0cketlint

    p0cketlint [OP] Member

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    Haha! Appreciate the encouragement. Hopefully, things go well this weekend and I'll have some improved pics to share.
     
    auskip07[QUOTED] and Bertw192 like this.
  7. Jan 3, 2025 at 9:01 PM
    #27
    TA2016

    TA2016 Well-Known Member

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    Great tips above from other members. From time to time I have to remove my MillerCat shield to get access. I drive the passenger side tires up on my curb in front of my house to get more clearance. I don’t have ramps and feel secure having all 4 tires touching the ground.

    My floor jack comes in handy because I use it to hold my shield in place (with a rag on the bowl) as I start threading my bolts.
     
    RedDemolisher likes this.
  8. Jan 3, 2025 at 9:23 PM
    #28
    Toycoma2021

    Toycoma2021 Well-Known Member

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    This is great access advice. One I often forget when I'm out on a trail by replacing the curb with a rock.

    The only thing I can add is to clear up the verbiage on how to use a "tap":
    Make sure the tap is perpendicular to the surface of the metal, directly in-line with the intended hole.
    Turn tap clockwise until you feel resistance and then another half turn, turn tap a quarter turn counterclockwise and repeat. Half turn in and a quarter turn out until you have the tap in the metal and there is no real resistance. The use of a lubricant in your case is not necessary as you are only reforming the threads and not cutting a bunch of metal, but it can't hurt. That is pretty much how to tap a hole keeping the tap in line with the intended hole.

    I don't think you will have any problems.
     
    Gen3TacomaOBX and TA2016[QUOTED] like this.
  9. Jan 4, 2025 at 6:20 PM
    #29
    p0cketlint

    p0cketlint [OP] Member

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    SUCCESS! :)

    Thanks to everyone for their excellent advice! Using the Irwin tap, I was able to fix the threads on the truck. Watching enough videos and taking the many how to tap directions in mind, I successfully cleaned up my mistake. Luckily I didn't have to drill out the hole and use a repair insert or a nut/bolt solution. Feeling good it's still the 'stock hardware'.

    Parts I used:
    - Ramp to give more clearance under the front wheels
    - WD40 as my cutting oil hadn't arrived
    - Irwin metric tap set (specifically the M8 1.25 thread pitch tap)
    - Covid face shield my wife had an extra of << This was awesome btw. It kept the lil pieces of metal out of my eyes.
    - The truck's jack to hold the cat shield in position while I carefully threaded the bolts
    - Torque wrench just to make sure I hit 14 ft-lbs on security and frame bolts

    Special thanks to @Bertw192, @auskip07, @MGMDesertTaco, @Gen3TacomaOBX, @TA2016, and @Toycoma2021 for the extra guidance and support.

    fixed threads.jpg
    tested with m8 bolts.jpg
    fully installed.jpg
     
    robe689, auskip07, DSRamsey13 and 7 others like this.
  10. Jan 4, 2025 at 6:38 PM
    #30
    MGMDesertTaco

    MGMDesertTaco Come on, live a little...

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    Glad to hear. :cheers:
     
  11. Jan 4, 2025 at 8:52 PM
    #31
    Bertw192

    Bertw192 Well-Known Member

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    All the things!
    Good work!

    Welcome to the fun world of mods and fixing your mistakes.
     
    auskip07 likes this.
  12. Jan 4, 2025 at 9:39 PM
    #32
    jonkassidy

    jonkassidy Well-Known Member

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    Red loctite the original bolt and send it with an impact gun, then walk away. Return tap set to Lowe’s and buy some whisky.
     
  13. Jan 5, 2025 at 10:45 AM
    #33
    p0cketlint

    p0cketlint [OP] Member

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    Haha! :cheers:
     

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