I was just wondering how safe helicoils are? If on was installed and I wanted to remove a part that was using a helicoil, will there be a problem taking that part off? I have a helicoil holding the inner tie rod. When the inner tie rod goes bad, i was wondering if I could still install a new inner tie rod with the helicoil in there or do I need to re tap it? Is it better to just replace the whole rack? TIA!

 

anyone?

 

Well I would think you would be fine as long as you don't over tighten it, or cross thread it or keep loosing it and re tightening it you should be fine I would think.

 

anyone else?

 

For the most part heilcoils are perfectly good... On a Stress part, such as a suspension peice I am a little less assured, doesn't mean it is bad but I like my suspension peices tight and secure. I am not familiar with the part your talking about but if it does not deflect and only ties the suspension to the frame in the form of a support, then you are okay
Schu

 

If the helicoil was installed correctly, it will handle the stress just fine!

The machinists/mechanics use helicoils at work all the time (US Airways). If a helicoil is strong enough to repair a 1/2" hydraulic line fitting on a commercial airplane, I'm sure it will hold up just fine on your suspention.

The difficulty with helicoils is the installation. But since you don't have to worry about that, you are home free. Just take your time and becareful when taking the bolt out and putting it in. Be sure the helicoil doesn't back out (but it shouldn't, you shouldn't have to worry about that). And make sure when you thread the bolt back in that you don't cross thread it or bind the helicoil.


Modified by PSU-TEG at 11:24 AM 5/22/2003

 

Thanks for your help guys!!

 

Okay heres the low-down on helicoil. If done right, the should hold any bolt without question. As I trqd my head onto the block, on my second set of trqs, one bolt just ripped the threads out of the block. So I removed the head, helicoiled it, put it back on and that thread held fine. However another thread broke loose on another head bolt. Well this routine continued 4 times, which made me so pissed I took the head off and helicoil ALL 10 head bolt threads. AND I made my trqs at 25,40,75 and they all held perfect. JUST MAKE SURE YOU KNOW HOW TO HELICOIL OR YOU CAN F#CK SOME **** UP!
Yeah thats my .02