2 bolts won’t tighten down after differential service

[yurtle]

Chop sticks are free, so I got a few of those.

[rib33024]

Originally Posted by yurtle

Chop sticks are free, so I got a few of those.

I use those to fix door hinges when they are loose and the screws are stripped

[Sideways]

I've wrapped a piece of blue tape around the threads as well

[weaselorlando]

I can’t imagine how I messed up 2 of the holes but it feels like there are no threads left. I tried some copper wire but didn’t have any luck. So I am going to try the helicoil option. I was looking at this E-Z Loc kit for 5/16 18 kit. https://www.amazon.com/Z-SK20920-Thr...s%2C141&sr=8-3. The kit looks like it doesn’t come with a handle for the tap. Any particular suggestions on that?
I was planning on drilling out the holes with my drill while everything is still attached to the golf cart. I have tapped a few holes before but it was while I was working on a bench. Any tips or things to avoid? Thanks,

Weasel

[Cobra,1]

Aside from keeping drill chips out of rear housing, be very careful inserting “ screwing in heli coil” with out the designed tool. It can be done with needle nose pliers but carefully or you’ll snap of tang
Thread inserts are another good option as they can be installed with flat head screw driver.

Inserts are a solid threaded sleeve where heli coils are more like a spring and more forgiving if tapped hole their going into is a bit off. Thread inserts are a more permanent repair if bolt is going to be removed/ reinstalled multiple times.
Have used them both depending on application.

What ever you choose use blue lock tight on insert as to not have it back out next time bolt is removed along with never seize on bolt screwing into it.😊

[yurtle]

Helicoil seems excessive for a non-structural bolt. Can't you simply run the next larger size tap in it, regardless of "normal" or metric an drill out the pan if necessary, for larger bolt? I'd probably just try a self-tapping bolt for mine.

[Cobra,1]

That will work also as long as that bolt gets put back into that hole .
Another solution to the problem 👍
I just think of repairs from a retired machinist / auto techs view point.👍

[yurtle]

Nothing wrong with that. If I were doing it for my company or a customer, it's always different. For me, I sometimes get a little practical - cheap but functional.

I had a 1970 Plymouth Duster that had left hand threaded lugs on the left and right hand threads on the right. During a pouring down rain storm, I had to change a tire and naturally I always use a BIG 4-way lug wrench. Clunk, rang that one off, next, clunk. My friend who saved me from ringing all five off said, "hey, maybe they're left hand threaded." I said, I'll show you... Couldn't find left handed studs, so ended up with two "normal" lugs and three backwards lugs on the same tire. Used different lug nuts to distinguish them.