Steering Hub replacement..........

t1x · Dec 12, 2011

Took my car in on Friday to change the rear pads. Got a cracking deal on some Textars. £85 for pads and sensors and other bits.

Noticed on the way to the garage that the car was making a lot of road noise and when I turned the steering it felt like the front wheels were flat as it was juddering.

At the garage I found that the bearing had gone on front left wheel. Promptly ordered two (for each side) Not the end of the world.

Whilst replacing the bearing my mechanic noticed that the front pads were low as you could see the sensor coming through. i ordered front pads as well. Getting a bit upset now.

Moving over to the driver side knuckle (hub) I get called to the car to be shown something. I was told that the previous garage (owner) had cross threaded the caliper bolt. As a result it was a pain to get out and you could see the end of the bolt and hole had been totally destroyed.

Called OPC West London to find out about the price of the hub (I sat down) .........£450!!!!!.

I need some help and advice please.

What options do I have?

1) my garage is saying that they could rethread the hub with a kit that costs £125.00. They would suggest that or a new hub.

I do not need a bill of over £600 so close to Xmas!!! Any advice or places I could source the part cheaper would be a great help.

Richard_Hamilton · Dec 12, 2011

I doubt it was cross threaded. Probably just corroded, and it chews the thread when undoing the bolt. Very common.

What you need is a Time-Sert thread insert. They can be fitted in place, and are not too expensive once you have the tools.

Instructions are in my book. [

]

Edit: Here's what they look like.

chriscoates81 · Dec 12, 2011

ORIGINAL: Richard Hamilton

I doubt it was cross threaded. Probably just corroded, and it chews the thread when undoing the bolt. Very common.

What you need is a Time-Sert thread insert. They can be fitted in place, and are not too expensive once you have the tools.

Instructions are in my book. []

Edit: Here's what they look like.

Wont he have to wait till march[8|]

thirteeneast · Dec 12, 2011

That's news you could do without this time of year!.

If we are talking Helicoil ? do it yourself, What size? I will send you one if you want?.

Regards.

thirteeneast · Dec 12, 2011

Looks tiny from Richards picture.

Richard_Hamilton · Dec 12, 2011

I wouldn't use a Helicoil. They are fine for some repairs, but in an application where the bolt if removed periodically, the solid insert is a better bet. (You would also need a special drill and tap for the Helicoil).

t1x · Dec 12, 2011

Update.......

I need a 12mm bolt.

Options.

1) time sert kit. Does the job and a quarter of the price.
2) second hand knuckle available at £80.
3) new knuckle at £450

Option one seems like the most viable for now.

Unless there is anything else that Richard has not covered in his book!!!

Sorry Mr H, I can't wait until March/april next year!!