Oh Balls, stripped passenger mount threads

[OhBalls]

Yep, ******* MAZDA FSM, OHH YES, 50-68 ft/lbs, MY ASS.

I stripped the threads on one of the tranny side mounts (yes I used a torque wrench set to 64 ft/lbs). I circled the bolt I'm referring to in the attached pic. I'm not sure if it's the bolt thats ******, the threads on the body, or both. Anyone have any advice? I've been driving on it and all seems ok, but I don't want to be trapped in the middle of no where with my engine half laying on the ground someday.

PLEASE GOD HELP!!!!


P.S. - Don't use the ft/lbs measurements in the FSM. Always convert the specific NM to ft/lbs. If I would have done this I would have only torqued to 55 ft/lbs which would have saved the threads.

 

[BlackCherry06]

Head to Lowes, find the next-largest bolt size and buy a tap and handle to match it. Tap the hole out, install larger bolt. Done.

 

[OhBalls]

How would I get the bolt currently in, out? When I do retap it, what's the best way to ensure I make a 90 degree hole and not some slightly sideways s***?

 

[BlackCherry06]

Eeew..I didn't realize the bolt was still there.....sorry. If you're lacking the tools it may take to get it out, you could try the vise-grip approach. Clamp down on the head and try to thread it out while pulling up. Other than that, all I can think of is to drill it.

As far as tapping straight, the existing hole should guide the tap pretty well, but you have to make sure and keep your eye on it while you turn. I guess I got lucky with mine (tapped a new hole in the floor of a truck for the seat bracket). I don't think you're going to get it so crooked that it's actually noticable unless you're just hopless with tools.

 

[khaosman]

Heat it up with a torch when you try to remove it. Like get it insanely hot. Glowing red.

Buy a new bolt from Mazda and figure out what thread pitch/diameter it is. I just go to a hardware store and start trying various nuts on it until I find the one that works. Then buy the tap for that size. Like they said, you shouldn't have too much trouble tapping it. Just go slow. Do a couple turns, bring it back out, clean it, and do some more turns. Rinse and repeat. Use lots of tapping fluid (tap magic or some junk).

Come to think of it though, I bet your bolt is f'd and the threads are fine. Getting it out will be tough though since it is torqued a good amount. Maybe try one of those things they have for bolts with stripped heads?