Subframe Threads Torn Up?

[HappySquirrel]

Hey everyone, I'm having a bit of a freak-out and I'm hoping someone (preferably a mechanic on here) can give me a bit of advice before I have a heart attack.

I have been installing some new lowering springs and subframe alignment bushings this weekend. I was doing the rears today and when I went to install the big subframe bolts on the left side I ran into a big problem. I had a hard time getting the left rear bolt to align and I think I tore up the threads in the body that the bolt screws into. I really tried to be careful and get everything going by hand, etc. like I always do so I don't know how this happened, but I can't get it in and I'm worried I did some irreparable damage to my car. Does anyone (preferably a mechanic) know if this can be fixed with a helicoil or something? I'll try to attach a couple of pics. I tried talking to my local mechanic and a Ford service dept. but everyone is closed up for the weekend at this point.

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[Armen]

I did that with one of the sway bar bolts and a tap (and a new bolt) fixed it up quick. The subframe bolts are quite a bit bigger tho and I don't know if you'll be able to find a tap big enough that easily without ordering it.

 

[HappySquirrel]

I did that with one of the sway bar bolts and a tap (and a new bolt) fixed it up quick. The subframe bolts are quite a bit bigger tho and I don't know if you'll be able to find a tap big enough that easily without ordering it.

I thought about that and I don't have a tap nearly big enough (not sure what thread the bolt is, but way bigger than any of my taps).

I'm worried that the threads may be too far gone for that. I don't know, at this point I'm beyond trying to fix it myself because I'm worried I'll make it even worse. I just hope my mechanic can get it fixed. I'm freaking out worried that it can't be fixed because you can't really get behind the threads since its inside the frame of the car.

 

[gtorpedo]

You are not the first to have this issue, it happens! M14x2 tap will clean the threads up and you'll be fine.

 

[SteedaTech]

Hey everyone, I'm having a bit of a freak-out and I'm hoping someone (preferably a mechanic on here) can give me a bit of advice before I have a heart attack.

I have been installing some new lowering springs and subframe alignment bushings this weekend. I was doing the rears today and when I went to install the big subframe bolts on the left side I ran into a big problem. I had a hard time getting the left rear bolt to align and I think I tore up the threads in the body that the bolt screws into. I really tried to be careful and get everything going by hand, etc. like I always do so I don't know how this happened, but I can't get it in and I'm worried I did some irreparable damage to my car. Does anyone (preferably a mechanic) know if this can be fixed with a helicoil or something? I'll try to attach a couple of pics. I tried talking to my local mechanic and a Ford service dept. but everyone is closed up for the weekend at this point.

Sent you a pm

 

[HappySquirrel]

You are not the first to have this issue, it happens! M14x2 tap will clean the threads up and you'll be fine.

Unfortunately I'm having a hard time finding an M14x2 tap for sale anywhere around here. It's just been one of those days.

Thank you for the helpful information.

 

[IvanCRF]

Unfortunately I'm having a hard time finding an M14x2 tap for sale anywhere around here. It's just been one of those days.

Thank you for the helpful information.

I read about guys buying the taps from Harbor Freight.

 

[Doctor Fishtail]

Unfortunately I'm having a hard time finding an M14x2 tap for sale anywhere around here. It's just been one of those days.

Thank you for the helpful information.

Northern Tool sells a kit for $85 I bought it and fixed it seriously in 5 minutes once I started. The M14x2 is not easy to find.

 

[dsp4848]

The tap set is the way to go, but also try applying some aluminum anti-seize to the bolt as well - it will help it go in easier.

https://www.permatex.com/products/l...s-anti-seize/permatex-anti-seize-lubricant-2/

One of my subframe bolts doesn't like going in easy unless I put some of this stuff on the threads first.

 

[Cascadia_302]

I would think that running a tap should do it (once you locate one). I doubt you used something like a serious air impact gun to force enough significant thread damage to the extent you would need to use a heli-coil , you don't want to go down that road if you don't need to.

 

[HappySquirrel]

Thank you all for the helpful advice. After having no luck finding the correct tap at sears or ace, I took IvanCRF's advice and tried harbor freight and they had an $85 tap set with the correct m14x2.0 tap.

I ran it all the way through and got everything back together. I drove the car for about 10 miles and so far no problems. I'll take it to the alignment shop this week to get all the bushings clocked and the alignment done and I should be good to go.

Thanks again, everyone. I really appreciate it!

 

[Cascadia_302]

Good to hear!:cheers:

 

[Dominant1]

Great to hear man , glad you got her done!

 

[Doctor Fishtail]

Good job. It is a good feeling once it is finished.

 

[khalismatic]

I thought about that and I don't have a tap nearly big enough (not sure what thread the bolt is, but way bigger than any of my taps).

I'm worried that the threads may be too far gone for that. I don't know, at this point I'm beyond trying to fix it myself because I'm worried I'll make it even worse. I just hope my mechanic can get it fixed. I'm freaking out worried that it can't be fixed because you can't really get behind the threads since its inside the frame of the car.

How did you get the tap in past the subframe? It isn't long enough. Did you use some kind of extension or?

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