Tapping Alloy Wheels - Vaux. Monterey

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Fri 8 Apr 2005 11:12
Tapping Alloy Wheels - Vaux. Monterey - rg
Folks,

The pressed steel hub covers on my alloys are secured by steel bolts which have snapped due to severe corrosion.

I've drilled them out, and plan to tap them out to an oversize.

Excuse the engineering ignorance, but can anyone supply "Top Three Tips". Any advice on lubricant to use?

I have not done this work since Mr Peart's 3rd year metalwork class circa 1975...

Cheers

rg
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Fri 8 Apr 2005 12:18
Tapping Alloy Wheels - Vaux. Monterey - Peter D
white spirit or parafin 1/4 turns only and keep the flutes cleans to avaiod lock up. Regards Peter
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Fri 8 Apr 2005 12:23
Tapping Alloy Wheels - Vaux. Monterey - Rishab C
When tapping, I usually go forward 1/2 a turn and back 1/4, forward 1/2, back a 1/4 but you can adjust these depending on how stiff it feels. Any light oil should be OK.
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Fri 8 Apr 2005 13:28
Tapping Alloy Wheels - Vaux. Monterey - Dynamic Dave
plan to tap them out to an oversize.


Rather than that, how about heli-coiling instead? That way you can keep the same thread size.
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Fri 8 Apr 2005 17:12
Tapping Alloy Wheels - Vaux. Monterey - rg
Thanks, all.

Dave, the "electrolytic welding" effect had to be seen to be beleived!

The meagre threads were pretty bad. Plus (owning up now) I caught a couple slightly when drilling out.

rg
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Sat 9 Apr 2005 10:49
Tapping Alloy Wheels - Vaux. Monterey - L'escargot
I agree with DD, but in addition (if the holes are now a bit dodgy) I would suggest securing the inserts with Loctite. Consult a Loctite agent regarding the best grade to use. Just make sure that the Loctite is fully activated/dried before putting the bolts back in or you could end up in a similar boat to the one in which you are currently!
--
L\'escargot by name, but not by nature.
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