Skid plate holes have been stripped

JMCRONIN2004

MEMBER
2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA
208,000 MILES

The two rear skid plate holes have been stripped and the bolts are missing. What is the correct way to repair? My mechanic said he would put in self tapping screws. My thought is they would eat up the metal and be useless the next time I need my oil changed. I have read about a device called a helicoil that would redrill the holes and then I could replace the bolts. What is the best way to repair the stripped holes and missing bolts? Any guidance is appreciated. Thank you.

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 AT 2:10 AM

1 Reply

BILLYMAC

MECHANIC
2,204 POSTS

Hi yes heli coil is cetainly the correct to way to repair. I am sure your mech knows that prob just trying to save you some labor. This kit will not drill the old ones out. You have to drill them and then install the helicoil once you tighten the bolts the helicoil will lock into place it will not come back out.

This is a time consumeing repair that involves careful drilling with precission straightness if it is done wrong what you end up with is hardened steel drill bits broken off in the bolts already broken. Could work out perfect could be a disaster.

The self tapping bolts are very nice also not much chance of them damageing your plate and would be a lot cheaper. Good luck

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Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 AT 2:27 AM