Steering rack cross threaded.

[rascole]

Found my Scorpworks bracket moving a little. Tried to tighten it up but the factory weld nut is cross threaded. Just got the whole front end back together then this. I'm not a happy camper right now. Has anyone else had this? Weld nut is inside a boxed cavity so only way I see to repair is to drill a hole on the front side and use a extra long bolt, 8 inch long at least and may have to sleeve it to not crush the crossmember.

 

[08H3]

Mine isn't here to look at, but as I remember there isn't much room to work. Is there any chance of drilling it out and tapping to a larger size? Hope you get something figured out. Little stuff like that sucks and can ruin your day.

 

[rascole]

NO, front diff only allows a couple of inches to work with. Crappy part is I just reinstalled the whole front end. One step closer to a ZR2.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Can you get a tap in there of the correct thread size/pitch to clean the threads? Gently rock the tap as you work it in. Maybe all that needs to happen is for the tap to cut or straighten one or two bent or mangled threads, for the bolt to go in 'cleanly'.

 

[rascole]

I have a fix ready to go. Waiting for some parts from McMaster-Carr. Should be fixed this weekend. NOT a stipped bolt but close to it.

 

[rascole]

The fix is done. The SS bolt was galled and in the process of trying to remove it the weld nut broke free and the nut and bolt were free spinning. Video is attached.
https://youtu.be/cAddbH5HaU8

Thankfully there is enough room to fit a thin wall socket on the bolt and 3 hours later I was able to back the allen head bolt out. Major PITA because an allen key just fits and I had to use a vise grip to get it out.



After I got it out I machined the Scorpworks block a little bit so I can use hex head bolts and use a wrench instead of allen wrench.


Now a new lock nut and washer and good as new, the knuckles will heal in about a week, the ego a little longer. But I'm glad it was a easy fix, we're usually not that lucky.