The missus had a flat tyre whilst I was away with work and pulled into the nearest garage where some helpful chap offered to stick the spare on for her. However, I think he was a little over enthusiatic with the airgun and has stripped the thread in the hub.

Ok, so the question, will I be ok to re-tap this hole or is a re-tapped hole not really strong enough for wheel nuts?

I wouldnt risk it if the threads completely stripped (not just slightly cross threaded) then the only way to re-thread it properly would be to redrill it to a larger diameter and have alarger thread and bolt (not really feasable!
Id get a new hub if its that bad.

If its just cross threaded then re tap the thread and should be no problems.

What car is it? Wouldn't it be better to get another hub from scrappies?

I'd go for a replacement hub, second hand it would be very cheap (far less than any engineering work) and fitted with a couple of new bearings will be as good as new

[Edited on 3/10/08 by Mr Whippy]

It's on a Fiat Cinquecento I bought to run around in while I was repairing 16 bent valves in my Alfa 147. I only paid £350 for it but decided to keep it cos even with the insurance and tax I was still saving over £100 a month in juice on the grotty comute to work. However, in the last 4 weeks or so it's needed a new TDC sensor, new tyre, rear drum, and exhaust centre section. I got it from the auction so didn't get to give it a proper once over although it did have 11 months test.

I guess I could have a look at the scrappies. Might have a proper look at the hole first though, it's a bit odd, the nut tightens and then gets to a certain point and just spins. It won't just pull out though.



[Edited on 3/10/08 by eznfrank]

not really - there won't be any metal left to take the thread as it has been stripped.

think about what could happen if the wheel pops off when diving?

if you do decide to bodge, then ensure your and/or your wifes life insurance is up to date.

I had one of those, horrible little buzz box that I took such a dislike too I crushed the little bugger flat with my digger

Why aren't the garage paying for it to be repaired?

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Whippy
I had one of those, horrible little buzz box that I took such a dislike too I crushed the little bugger flat with my digger

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Why not get a recoil thread insert thing?...

Those are usually stronger than the parent metal..


Or have an insert made?

Get the wheel off first and find out what needs fixing. It might just need a replacement wheel bolt.

Phil

quote:

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Originally posted by Hellfire
Get the wheel off first and find out what needs fixing. It might just need a replacement wheel bolt.

Phil

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Sorry, should have added, I tried a new bolt and it's definitely the hub nit the bolt.

And as above, completely agree with the buzz box thing but only using it for the commute where I rarely get above 40mph and it saves me £100 a month.

coming accross the same problem before i have welded the hole then drilled and retapped.

not really to much of a worry the are after all 3 other bolts holding the wheel.

i know lots of peps are going to say this is just wrong but never had a problem myself.

you could drill it out and helicoil it... A helicoil set will cost about a tenner though...

For all the hassle of redrilling and tapping its probly a £10 hub from a scrappy.

quote:

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Originally posted by loggyboy
For all the hassle of redrilling and tapping its probly a £10 hub from a scrappy.

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And if its the front hub a new bearing as well. You just know its not going to come off without a fight. IIRC the bolt may be 12mm x 1.25?

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Whippy
I had one of those, horrible little buzz box that I took such a dislike too I crushed the little bugger flat with my digger

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