So, I got my used replacement spindle...Everything is nice and dandy, I go to bolt it up and find out that the bottom bolt that holds the caliper keeps spinning and spinning and spinning... Has this happened to anyone? What did you do?

 

Happened to me. I had it repaired with a helicoil at my local shop. Proper torque is 63 ft-lbs. Don't go over that.

Good luck,

Jon

 

Have you changed rotors since? How's the halicoil holding up?

I always use a torque wrench wherever possible, especially on aluminum parts.

 

Have changed them once since then. I am very careful about the removal and replacement, and the torque.

 

I've used helicoils for decades and they are an OK solution. They have been known to back out on occasion and are somewhat more technique sensitive than what I would recommend as a fix for your problem.

Google "threadsert" and see what you think. Requires no tapping and screwing in of an insert. It can be a DIY if you have a drill jig that will give you a hole exactly perpendicular to the mating surface for the caliper body. Using a small drill jig might not even require removal of the strut or rear carrier--wherever the problem occurred.

Whatever solution you pursue, always use anti-sieze compound. I like the old-fashioned copper content coompound with 1800 degree rating.

 

try some keen serts(sp). like heli coils but have a metal tang for the outer insert threads. the tangs get driven through the threads with a simple special driver and will never back out.

 

So I called the dismantler and they agreed to ship a new one out and wait for my return. I really didn't want to take a chance with the brakes. Thanks guys.

 

Or just send them to Al.

 

Update. I got the replacement spindle with good threads. Everything's great...I go to wrench on it...The feaking balljoint breaks off while tightening it in a brand new control arm.....I swear I've never had so much bad luck with a car.

 

Maybe you spend too much time in the weight room?

Seriously, sorry to hear about your bad luck.

Jon

 

I think it was due to the fact that I had to do it for like the 3rd time. I've had the worst luck getting this car together.

1. More damage than I anticipated.
2. Replaced the whole steering system, turns out everything esides the steering rack was OK but the valve in the high pressure tube got stuck.
3. Taillights came in damaged, one took over a month to be replaced.
4. The rear bumper came in a damaged box....long story short...I almost got into a fight with the freight guy and had to call the cops on the ****.
5. Vato Zone sent me the wrong shocks and dicked me around for 3 weeks, finally got a refund.
6. Spindle came in great shape...except the stripped caliper bolts.
7. Brand new control arm broke.

I really think it's not a good idea to finish this project this year.