Topic: Caliper bolt hole stripped! Help!

[Stig]

Hey guys.  I have been installing new rotors and pads today on my sti. One of the caliper bolts took me hours to get off. The bolt looks fine but the hole on the caliper has no threads left.  I am at a loss what to do! Any suggestions please!?  This is on the font right.  Thanks.  This is my everyday car. 

[Ambystom01]

Get a new caliper. The STI Brembos are notorious for bolt problems. Rocket Rally can get you a replacement caliper.

[Stig]

Oh boy this sounds expensive...
Thanks!  I'll shoot them an email.

How hard is it to bleed brakes?  Would I need to bleed all 4 or just the new caliper? I just had a fluid flush not long ago.

[Ambystom01]

I would bleed all 4 since you'll have to remove the buggered caliper.

[RockThePylon]

Just helicoil it. You ream it out, tap it bigger, and screw in some new fancy stainless threads.

As fer bleeding, if you're quick about it, you could probably get away with bleeding the one corner. But, you know, be more prepared to do all four corners if it's squishy.

[Stig]

I was wondering if tapping it would work.  But would I need a bigger bolt then? I'm not familiar with helicoil? 

[rith]

Such a common issue with the aluminum I guess.
. With helicoil, you drill it a bit bigger using the prescribed bit for the bolt you need. Tap it, then use a tool to insert the helicoil into the slightly larger hole. Time serts work also. If you goto napa they can hook you up with a kit

[RockThePylon]

I was wondering if tapping it would work.  But would I need a bigger bolt then? I'm not familiar with helicoil?

Helicoil is kinda like thread replacement. You drill and tap to a bigger hole, then screw in a spring look'n thing, which are the new threads. You use the original bolt.

Works pretty good. Especially in aluminium, since the new threads are stainless steel. The aluminium sees less wear and tear.

[Stig]

Thanks maybe I will try that first.  I'll hit up napa tmr

[Asstuna]

You can get also get helicoils at Partsource.

[Mustard]

At Partsource they they have "thread repair kits," fyi.

Heli-coil is a brand name.

Works the same, but just in case you get some 16 year old who doesn't know what he's talking about, ask for that.

[Stig]

Thanks I will do some running around tomorrow. I assume the kits come in several sizes?having trouble finding the specs of the caliper bolts. 

[Asstuna]

Thanks I will do some running around tomorrow. I assume the kits come in several sizes?having trouble finding the specs of the caliper bolts.

Google should tell you they're something like M12x1.25 M12x1.5 37mm OEM part #: 901120103.

Check Google first.

<fixing misinformation. -mod>

[esp1818]

Get a new caliper. The STI Brembos are notorious for bolt problems. Rocket Rally can get you a replacement caliper.

You are over reacting. This is a very common issue. I had to Helicoil all 4 front holes and two of the back ones.

Here is a good tutorial: http://www.iwsti.com/forums/diy-mods-and-installations/185301-repair-damaged-stripped-brembo-caliper-mounting-threads-heli-coils.html

[Asstuna]

Google should tell you they're something like M12x1.25 M12x1.5 37mm OEM part #: 901120103.

Check Google first.

<fixing misinformation. -mod>

Thanks for that. I took it from a NASIOC post and felt I covered my arse sufficiently by telling him to verify on Google first.

[seat safety switch]

A Helicoil should have been done from the factory with how soft those Brembo calipers are. It'll be much stronger afterward.

Note that most Helicoil kits in the M12 size don't come with an appropriate drill bit and you might have to special order one. This is the experience that made me own a harem of backup beaters

You should bleed the brakes.

Good luck amigo! Snackers had to do this once in a hotel parkade. Waiting for parts to get shipped sucks, so if you can get the caliper off you may be able to find a machine shop that has an appropriate sized Helicoil and drill bit on hand.

[Ambystom01]

I had it happen, stuck bolts, and the cost to get it repaired was more than the cost of a new caliper without guaranteed success. At least that's what I was told by the shop I went to.
 

You are over reacting. This is a very common issue. I had to Helicoil all 4 front holes and two of the back ones.

Here is a good tutorial: http://www.iwsti.com/forums/diy-mods-and-installations/185301-repair-damaged-stripped-brembo-caliper-mounting-threads-heli-coils.html

[Stig]

Thanks for the helicoil idea!  Worked like a charm. I unbolted the caliper and clapped it againt the strut to hold it still.  Used a 31/36 drill bit and carefully drilled the hole.  Then re tapped it. Helicoil went in nicely. 
Those things arnt chesp tho! But a great fix vs new calipar.  Thanks!

[GrantC]

Thanks for the helicoil idea!  Worked like a charm. I unbolted the caliper and clapped it againt the strut to hold it still.  Used a 31/36 drill bit and carefully drilled the hole.  Then re tapped it. Helicoil went in nicely. 

Man, for how this thread started out I'm glad to see this.

Good work man!

But, using the strut as a drilling platform is honorary #GarageOfIdiots stuff.

(I understand not wanting to deal w/ re-bleeding the entire brake system)

[Stig]

Man, for how this thread started out I'm glad to see this.

Good work man!

But, using the strut as a drilling platform is honorary #GarageOfIdiots stuff.

(I understand not wanting to deal w/ re-bleeding the entire brake system)

Lol thanks!  Ya it wasn't the original plan.  Was going to take it off and use a drill press but was trying to avoid bleeding if I could lol.  Had the Weight of it held with  a bungee cord and used a rubber clamp to hold it still lol.

[Asstuna]

Lol thanks!  Ya it wasn't the original plan.  Was going to take it off and use a drill press but yes was trying to avoid bleeding.  Had the Weight of it held with  a bungee cord and used a rubber clamp to hold it still lol.

Did... did you take a photo?

[Stig]

Did... did you take a photo?

I should have! It was genius...to an extent lol

[seat safety switch]

That is an admirable hack approach to the problem. Congratulations!

Where did you get a 31/64" bit from so quickly? When I had to do an M12 helicoil recently I had to special-order one and then ended up just borrowing it from RockThePylon.

[Stig]

F

That is an admirable hack approach to the problem. Congratulations!

Where did you get a 31/64" bit from so quickly? When I had to do an M12 helicoil recently I had to special-order one and then ended up just borrowing it from RockThePylon.

Found one at Cappy tire that was sold on its own.
10 bucks for the drill bit and 160 for the helicoil kit sold at napa.

[RockThePylon]

160 for the helicoil kit sold at napa.

You're kidding me.

It's $15 for a half-dozen coils through my supplier. I already have the rest of the kit.