Re-threading Torsion Bar

[blessed6383 0]

need to re-thread the end of one of my torsion bars (the screw n the end of the bar with the off centre washer) as knackered it trying to get it free from the trailing arm last week, im assuming its ok to do this but just thought i'd ask as assumpions the mother of all fu*k ups

[swordfish210 20]

Should be fine, you'd better have some decent quality drill bits though. The only thing to watch with the Helicoil kits is that they dont like being wound and unwound a lot.

[welshpug 1,666]

get someone to fit a timesert insert rather than a helicoil, more expensive but much stronger.

 

a lot of garages will have a kit nowadays, failing that try an engineering shop.

[Daviewonder 533 3 Cars]

Sorry to hijack the thread but Can someone tell me how helicoils work please? I've heard them mentioned but never seen one up close.

[blessed6383 0]

no probs abit unclear myself, is it just a tap? as in tap and die set? as was under the impression it was the same thing. think i will give that a try WP, or is it worth me just getting a replacement std torsion bar for now as plan to upgrade next year to ticker torsion bars

 

thanks for the replys guy

[welshpug 1,666]

a helicoil is exactly that, a wire coil you wind into a specially cut thread, to make the hole the same size as it was originally.

 

a time sert works on the same principle, but instead of a wire coil its a threaded insert you wind into a tapped thread (you drill out the damaged thread then tap to the appropriate size) then wind the insert in, then wind a special tool into the insert which opens it out into the cut threads fully.

 

have a look on google or youtube and you'll find plenty of information about them.

[swordfish210 20]

Sorry to hijack the thread but Can someone tell me how helicoils work please? I've heard them mentioned but never seen one up close.

 

Been a while since i used one but i'll give it a bash. In a kit you get a drill bit and a tap which are the correct size for the thread you are trying to achieve, you drill the hole out then tap it using these two then you get a piece of coiled steel which you wind in to the tapped hole using a t-bar handle. Once you've wound it in as far as you can the end will break off and you have a nice new thread. They're plenty strong enough but if you keep taking the bolt in and out theres a chance the coil will come out too.

[allanallen 528 2 Cars]

How knackered is the thread exactly? Try running an m8 tap down it to see exactly how fooked it is. It may just be the start of the thread that's buggered.

[blessed6383 0]

being a stupid bas*ard i wacked the end trying to get the torsion bar out of the trailing arm and then had to drill the remains of the sqeshed (if thats a word ) bolt so the threads are fooked

[pug_ham 245 3 Cars]

being a stupid bas*ard i wacked the end trying to get the torsion bar out of the trailing arm and then had to drill the remains of the sqeshed (if thats a word ) bolt so the threads are fooked

tbh unless its a thicker torsion bar than standard you can get another pair for under £50 afaik so thats probably easiest.

 

Graham.

[blessed6383 0]

would i need to replace the pair or could i just replace the drivers side alone?

[pug_ham 245 3 Cars]

would i need to replace the pair or could i just replace the drivers side alone?

Personally I'd only replace them as a known matched pair of the same age from same car.

 

Graham.