Stripped hubcap threads on Cleveland wheels

[SteveR]

I have at least two hubcap bolt holes with stripped threads on my Cleveland wheels. The area around the bolt looks pretty heavy (thick). It currenly has 8-32 bolts. Does anyone know if these holes can be drilled and re-tapped for 10-32 bolts (is there enough meat around the hole to allow this)? To me it looks like there is plenty of material, but I haven't seen a disassembled wheel. Obviously you wouldn't want to go any deeper.

Thanks.

[astjp2]

Re: Stripped hubcap threads on Cleveland wheels

To use the 10-32, you will need 2 taps, one regular and 1 bottom, since the screws are so short, you will need to finish the hole with the bottom tap after starting it with a standard one. Tim

[Guest]

Re: Stripped hubcap threads on Cleveland wheels

I wonder if they make an 8-32 repair insert that could be installed?

A heli-coil or otherwise

Found some;

http://www.twistingwrenches.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=109_88_350&products_id=3372

http://www.newmantools.com/recinch.htm

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Stripped hubcap threads on Cleveland wheels

a bit more work but I would use the heli-coil We have them here all the time. Howeever, for that application perhaps J-B weld , re drill , then tap and yes use the bottom tap too gently

[SteveR]

Re: Stripped hubcap threads on Cleveland wheels

Thanks for the tips guys...I wasn't thinking about the bottom depth. I don't have any bottom taps. I think a heli coil might be a better repair anyway, thanks for the links drude.

I've never used a heli coil before. Will I need a bottom tap since these threads are so shallow?

Thanks again.

[Guest]

Re: Stripped hubcap threads on Cleveland wheels

usually I buy a kit and it comes with a tap just for that

[SteveR]

Re: Stripped hubcap threads on Cleveland wheels

One more question. What length helicoil do I need? The bolt is 1/2". Will anything between say .25" and .5" work? I found a kit on Ebay at a good price, with several .246 length inserts, would those be long enough? I assume getting a longer insert will result in a better repair.

Thanks again.

[1938BF50]

Re: Stripped hubcap threads on Cleveland wheels

"rule of thumb" for thread engagement is 1 1/2 x diameter.
#10 thread is .188 dia. .188 x 1.5 = .282"(9/32)
the .246 length is more than adequate

I agree with Forrest on the JB route....much safer. There is NO tensile force on those screws.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Stripped hubcap threads on Cleveland wheels

yep we use the KISS method a lot of times. The heli-coil is an overkill, we have them here of course, a full kit, BUT they are expensive for a single application.

[SteveR]

Re: Stripped hubcap threads on Cleveland wheels

Thanks guys. I went ahead and ordered the heli-coil kit. I know its overkill, but it won't take much time and it should be a permanent fix. There are so few threads in there, I'd hate for someone to overtighten and strip the JB-weld.

Thanks again for the help.