Re: Stripped Aluminum Bolt Holes

[Bary <bary@xxxxxxx>]

Evan,

If you are skilled enough with a hand drill, I would suggest a Helicoil insert. These are readily available in all metric sizes at most decent auto parts houses. Just buy the right size kit, drill the threads out of the stripped hole with the supplied bit, tap the new hole with the provided tap and screw in the helical insert. Make sure to insert the "insert" with the
little tang toward the bottom of the hole and break the tang with a small drift punch and hammer so the bolt doesn't hit it when inserted.

The rear shock mounts going bad are indicated by a knocking/rattling sound located to either rear corner or the car when driving over bumpy surfaces.

CV joints tend to make a clicking noise when moving. The clicking will increase with speed. Also, a really bad joint can make growling sounds if the internals are degraded significantly. Look for torn dust boots, leaking at the joint and also try rocking the axle shaft to assess any lateral movement. If you are hearing a growl, chances are it's a bearing as these tend to
wear quicker than a CV joint.

Hope this helps.

Bary Pfaff
Redondo Beach, CA
1987 325e
1995 840CI
1998 540iA
Really wanting an x5!!!


> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 18:16:39 -0500
> From: eevans@domain.elided
> Subject: Stripped aluminum bolt hole ?s
>
> Hey guys & gals:
>
> I stripped one of the bolt holes on my oil pan recently while doing the baffle thing on my E30 M3. Thought it wouldn't matter seeing how it's just 1 of about a zillion bolts that hold the thing on. After getting home from ///M Day I checked the pan and saw that a little oil is leaking around the bolt in question. What's the best remedy for a stripped aluminum bolt hole?
>
> Also, how can you tell if you need new rear shock mounts? What kind of sounds, etc., give you a clue?
>
> While I'm at it, what are the symptoms of a CV joint going bad? Noise, leakage, etc.?
>
> BTW, While on the subject of ///M Day, did anyone besides me get out of the MZ3 coupe and think your E30 M3 handles better that car? Seemed pretty loose to me!
>
> Thankx
>
> Evan

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