General Thread Repair

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The thread repair process involves a solid, thin walled, self-locking, carbon steel, bushing type insert (1). During the bushing installation process, the driver tool expands the bottom external threads of the insert into the base material (2). This action mechanically locks the insert in place. Also, when installed to the proper depth, the flange of the insert will be seated against the counterbore of the repaired hole.

Fig 1: Base Material & Bushing Type Insert

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: Refer to SAFETY GLASSES CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.

IMPORTANT: The use of a cutting type fluid GM P/N United States 1052864, GM P/N Canada 992881, WD 40®, or equivalent, is recommended when performing the drilling, counterboring, and tapping procedures.

Driver oil MUST be used on the installer driver tool.

The tool kits are designed for use with either a suitable tap wrench or drill motor.

Drill out the threads of the damaged hole (1).
- M6 inserts require a minimum drill depth of 15 mm (0.59 in).
- M8 inserts require a minimum drill depth of 20 mm (0.79 in).
- M10 inserts require a minimum drill depth of 23.5 mm (0.93 in).
Using compressed air, clean out any chips.

Fig 2: Drilling & Tapping Damaged Bolt Hole
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Counterbore the hole to the full depth permitted by the tool (1).
Using compressed air, clean out any chips.

Fig 3: Counterboring Bolt Hole
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Using a tap wrench (2), tap the threads of the drilled hole.
- M6 inserts require a minimum tap depth of 15 mm (0.59 in).
- M8 inserts require a minimum tap depth of 20 mm (0.79 in).
- M10 inserts require a minimum tap depth of 23.5 mm (0.93 in).
Using compressed air, clean out any chips.
Spray cleaner GM P/N United States 12346139, GM P/N Canada 10953463, GM P/N United States 12377981, GM P/N Canada 10953463, or equivalent, into the hole.
Using compressed air, clean any cutting oil and chips out of the hole.

Fig 4: Drilling & Tapping Bolt Hole
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow oil or other foreign material to contact the outside diameter (OD) of the insert.
Lubricate the threads of the installer tool (2) with the driver oil (1).

Fig 5: Lubricating Installer Tool Threads
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Install the insert (2) onto the driver tool (1).

Fig 6: Driver Tool & Insert
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Apply threadlock LOCTITE® 277, J 42385-109 (1), or equivalent to the insert OD threads (2).

Fig 7: Applying Threadlock To Insert On Driver Tool
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Install the insert (2) into the hole.
Install the insert until the flange of the insert contacts the counterbored surface. Continue to rotate the installer tool (1) through the insert.

The installer tool will tighten up before screwing completely through the insert. This is acceptable. You are forming the bottom threads of the insert and mechanically locking the insert to the base material threads.

Fig 8: Installer Tool & Insert In Bolt Hole
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the insert for proper installation into the hole.
A properly installed insert (1) will be either flush or slightly below flush with the surface of the base material (2).

Fig 9: Insert-To-Base Material Proper Installation Position
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.