Retapping skid plate front mounts

Need to retap to 7/16 as I’ve retapped with the M10x1.25 and the bolt is barely grabbing threads. Went to the hardware store there isn’t a M11 tap or a M11 bolt. 7/16 is just minimal larger than M11. This is for the two front bolts.

I feel I’m making the right call but would love some advice.

Thank you in advice

 

Amazon has M11 taps

 

Helicoil repair. Last thing you need is to start mix-matching fastener types (SAE vs Metric)

 

I was in the exact same place as you a few weeks ago, after bringing a 5th gen TRD Pro in for alignment after installing some suspension upgrades. The experts at the local dealership installed the skid incorrectly with the spacer pucks in the rear bolt holes, and gifted me with cross-threaded front bolt holes thanks to using non-factory bolts with a coarse thread pitch, instead of the appropriate 1.25. The metal was too mangled to chase with a tap, so I opted to drill out the holes, tap, and install threaded inserts with red loctite. As stated, you won't be doing yourself any favors by using a different bolt size, or thread pitch.

 

Thank you everyone. Didn’t know about the inserts. Appreciate it!!!!

 

Thank you. Just ordered the kit.

 

Thank you. Just ordered the helicoil repair kit from Amazon. I appreciate it because I didn’t really want to mix and match bolts

 

I had the same issue, and I see you've already made the decision but I just want to let you know that the heli coil worked for me as well.

 

Rock on brother. Thank you so much

 

If you do you an SAE tap, instead of metric, select a "fine" thread.
I read converting a threaded hole to a stud is also helpful for preventing future issues.

 

How do you get hired at a dealership if you can't thread a bolt in without stripping it?

 

Many good techs (with aptitude and conscientiousness) are leaving the dealers or the trade altogether for a more meaningful existence.

 

I wondered the same thing, and considered submitting a job app while I was there, but I suspect it's quantity over quality. I also wondered why they had alternate (non-Toyota) thread pattern bolts on hand.

 

Hey guys I’m the OP. Just got the heli coil in. Went flawlessly. Took my time and had the right tools. I do have a little hang over from the heli coil. Do I just leave it? I got the heli coil in deep and added red loctite to it. Just have a little over hang.

 

The little drive tang on the Helicoil should be snapped off after threading it in, is that what you mean?

 

No. The heli coil is a little past the surface. I snapped the tang off. I put a bolt in it and it’s flawless. I can’t drill any deeper

 

Properly fitted, the helicoil should be just below the surface, not protruding above it (“sitting proud”). There’s generally a callout for the depth of the helicoil hole for this reason…but not something readily apparent.

Helicoil Drill Guide

 

Totally understand. This was my first time doing it. I’ll learn going forward but right now it’s in well but protruding a little past the surface. I can’t undue what’s been done. It’s in with red loctite. So do I just leave it alone, snip it. Looking for some advice

 

Can you cut it flush with a dremel tool?

That would be my first idea, since it’s in w/ red loctite.

 

Yes. I can. I guess that’s my question. I like the dremmel idea. Because it’s not coming out. Just wondering if that’s the correct thing to do. Have you done that?

 

Helicoils are hardened steel so be sure to use a carbide or like the Dremel EZ409 EZ Lock Cut-off Wheel should do the job nicely...just cut slowly with this wheel.

 

Appreciate the advice you and everyone else has provided

 

I had a shop break one.. they installed a SAE helicoil before asking me if I wanted Metric as they felt bad to break it..works great. Now its Metric and 1/2 inch..

 

They were out of M8 coils, couldn't find them, didn't have a kit at all, didn't care, or the ultimate, "inch is better anyway."