Help, I think I crossthread a bolt!!!

[beaquel]

I was taking off the passenger seat cowl and putting on the passenger grabrail tonight when I noticed one of the 4 bolts was extremely hard to install. I backed it out and saw the threaded hole in the subframe was crossthread. What do I do now? The grabrail seems quite stable with only 3 bolts, but this is not a solution. Can you repair a crossthread like this? Will I have to get a whole new subframe? Help please. By the way, my Hayabusa is a 2007, so I believe that means I have a steel subframe and not an aluminum one.

 

[stlbusarider]

The easiest thing to do is but a rethreader in the bolt size, I think it's an 8x1.75, but take it with you. I would go to a Car Quest or Napa to find one. The rethreader looks like a bolt but cleans up the chewed threads. Just be care full and make sure it's in there straight and buy a new bolt. If this does not work you'll have to rethread it or use a hellicoil, directions in packaging if you buy one. Good luck!

 

[beaquel]

I definitely plan on trying to make sure the tap is in straight before I start boring out the damaged threads. Problem 1 is that I've never done this before. Problem 2 is that since the damaged threads are at the top of the hole, I won't necessarily know if they are lined up with the good threads below before I start boring into it. I'll check the hardware store and see what advice they have.

By the way, what part of St. Louis are you in? I live in West County. Just saw another 2007 Red Hayabusa on Manchester the other day. It was slammed to the ground and looked awesome.

 

[silver]

I'd look at helicoil, very easy to do, follow the directions closely and you'll be fine. Only other option is to drill out and retap to next size bolt, M10 i think, problem with that is that you'll have to open up everything else to suit the bigger bolt

 

[stlbusarider]

I live in Florissant If you ever want to ride, drop me a line. If you need help with the bolt let me know, I don't have much going on wends or thurs. You could ride it up here, I have all the tools needed.

 

[fstbusa]

problem with helicoil is you pay $40-50 for the stupid kit and still not guaranteed a fix. I've seen subframes for $100 on here.