FixVault

Recessed Thread Repair

CAUTION: Refer to SAFETY GLASSES CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.

Important: 

When installed to the proper depth, the flange of the insert (1) will be seated against the counterbore (2) of the drilled/tapped hole.

Fig 1: Identifying Flange Insert Seating
G02070300Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  1. Install a stop collar (2) on the counterbore drill (1), if required.
    Fig 2: Installing Stop Collar On Counterbore Drill
    G02070301Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important: 

    • During the drilling process, it is necessary to repeatedly remove the drill and clean chips from the hole and the flutes of the drill.
    • Drill the hole until the stop collar contacts the surface of the base material.
  2. Drill out the threads of the damaged hole.
    Fig 3: Drilling Damaged Hole Thread
    G02070302Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  All chips must be removed from the drilled hole prior to tapping.

  3. Using compressed air, clean out any chips.
    Fig 4: Removing Chips From Drill Hole
    G02070303Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important: 

    • During the tapping process, it is necessary to repeatedly remove the tap and clean chips from the hole and the flutes of the tap.
    • Ensure the tap has created full threads at least to the depth equal to the insert length.
  4. Using a suitable tapping wrench, tap the threads of the drilled hole.
    Fig 5: Tapping Drilled Hole
    G02070304Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  All chips must be removed from the tapped hole prior to insert installation.

  5. Using compressed air, clean out any chips.
    Fig 6: Removing Chips From Drill Hole
    G02070305Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Spray cleaner GM P/N 12346139, GM P/N 12377981 (Canadian P/N 10953463) or equivalent into the tapped hole.
    Fig 7: Applying Spray Cleaner To Tapped Hole
    G02070306Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  All chips must be removed from the tapped hole prior to insert installation.

  7. Using compressed air, clean out any chips.
    Fig 8: Removing Chips From Drill Hole
    G02070307Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  Do not allow oil or other foreign material to contact the outside diameter (OD) of the insert.

  8. Lubricate the threads of the driver installation tool (2) with the driver oil (1) J 42385-110.
    Fig 9: Lubricating Threads Of Driver Installation Tool
    G02070308Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Install the insert (2) onto the driver installation tool (1).
    Fig 10: Installing Insert Onto The Driver Installation Tool
    G02070309Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Apply threadlock sealant GM P/N 12345493, (Canadian P/N 10953488), J 42385-109, LOCTITE 277® or equivalent (1) to the insert OD threads (2).
    Fig 11: Apply Threadlock Sealant To Insert Threads
    G02070310Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Install the insert (2) into the tapped hole.
    Fig 12: Installing Insert Into Tapped Hole
    G02070311Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  If the insert will not thread down until the flange contacts the counterbored surface remove the insert immediately with a screw extracting tool and inspect the tapped hole for any remaining chips and/or improper tapping.

  12. Install the insert until the flange (2) of the insert contacts the counterbored surface.
    Fig 13: Identifying Insert & Insert Flange
    G02070312Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  The driver installation tool will tighten up before screwing completely through the insert. This is acceptable. The threads at the bottom of the insert are being formed and the insert is mechanically locking the insert into the base material threads.

  13. Continue to rotate the driver installation tool (1) through the insert (2).
    Fig 14: View Of Insert Position
    G02070313Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Inspect the insert (1) for proper installation (2) into the tapped hole.
    Fig 15: Identifying Properly Installed Insert
    G02070314Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Any installed insert that restricts or blocks an oil or engine coolant passage (3) will need to have the oil or engine coolant passage drilled out (4) to the original size of the oil or engine coolant passage. After drilling the restriction or blockage, clean out any chips and thread the installation driver tool through the insert again to remove any burrs caused by the drilling of the oil or engine coolant passage.
    Fig 16: View Of Engine Coolant Passage In Insert
    G02070315Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.