FixVault

Standard Thread Repair - Flush Hole

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

Important:  The use of a cutting type fluid GM P/N 1052864, (Canadian P/N 992881), WD 40® or equivalent is recommended when performing the drilling, counterboring and tapping procedures.

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

Fig 1: Identifying Flange Of Insert
G02070283Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: 

  1. Drill out the threads of the damaged hole.
    • M6 inserts require a minimum drill depth of 15 mm (0.59 in).
    • M8 inserts require a minimum drill depth of 20 mm (0.79 in).
    • M10 inserts require a minimum drill depth of 23.5 mm (0.93 in).
    Fig 2: Drilling Out Damaged Threads
    G02070284Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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

  2. Using compressed air, clean out any chips.
    Fig 3: Removing Chips From Drill Hole
    G02070285Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  A properly counterbored hole will show a slight burnishing on the surface of the base material for 360 degrees around the drilled hole.

  3. Counterbore the drilled hole to the full depth permitted by the tool (1).
    Fig 4: Counterboring Drilled Hole
    G02070286Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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

  4. Using compressed air, clean out any chips.

    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.
    Fig 5: Removing Chips From Drill Hole
    G02070287Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Using a suitable tapping wrench, tap the threads of the drilled hole.
    • M6 inserts require a minimum tap depth of 15 mm (0.59 in).
    • M8 inserts require a minimum tap depth of 20 mm (0.79 in).
    • M10 inserts require a minimum tap depth of 23.5 mm (0.93 in).
    Fig 6: Tapping Drilled Hole Threads
    G02070288Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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

  6. Using compressed air, clean out any chips.
    Fig 7: Removing Chips From Drill Hole
    G02070289Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Spray cleaner GM P/N 12346139, GM P/N 12377981 (Canadian P/N 10953463) or equivalent into the tapped hole.
    Fig 8: Applying Spray Cleaner Into Tapped Hole
    G02070290Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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

  8. Using compressed air, clean out any chips.
    Fig 9: Removing Chips From Drill Hole
    G02070291Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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

  9. Lubricate the threads of the driver installation tool (2) with the driver oil (1) J 42385-110.
    Fig 10: Lubricating Driver Installation Tool Threads
    G02070292Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Install the insert (2) onto the driver installation tool (1).
    Fig 11: Installing Insert Onto Driver Installation Tool
    G02070293Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. 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 12: Applying Threadlock Sealant To Insert Threads
    G02070294Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Install the insert (2) into the tapped hole.
    Fig 13: Installing Insert Into Tapped Hole
    G02070295Courtesy 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.

  13. Install the insert until the flange (2) of the insert contacts the counterbored surface.
    Fig 14: View Of Flange & Insert
    G02070296Courtesy 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.

  14. Continue to rotate the driver installation tool (1) through the insert (2).
    Fig 15: Installing Insert
    G02070297Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Inspect the insert for proper installation into the tapped hole. A properly installed insert (1) will be either flush or slightly below flush with the surface of the base material (2).
    Fig 16: View Of Properly Installed Insert
    G02070298Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  16. 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 17: Identifying Engine Coolant Passage In Insert
    G02070299Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.