Stripped transmission pan bolt. - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

jefe · 11-13-2004, 11:53 AM

1991 Toyota Camry, 4-cyl, auto., US built, 220,000 miles

When I was replacing the pan yesterday I think I probably stripped one of the bolts holding it in. It's not super-loose, but it just didn't tighten down like the other 15 or so. I think it may have caught a pice of the new rubber gasket and cross threaded. I don't see any leakage overnight.

Question: Should I definately fix it? Or is it OK to just monitor it and see if it leaks..

Question #2: If I need to fix it, how do I do it? I am guessing drill out the old threads and then re-tap new threads and put in a new, larger diameter bolt. Do I need a special drill bit? Where can I get a thread tap?, Does anyone know the stock sizes of the bolts and what size I should try to replace it with? Where should I get the bolt (ie will any material do, or does it need to be a special type of metal)??

THANKS!!!!!

Hajoca · 11-13-2004, 12:05 PM

Jefe

Since the bolts are outside of the gasket, try a Helicoil kit that you use the supplied drill, and insert. Then install original bolt.

Take your time, the Helicoil kits are high quality, and work well.

jefe · 11-13-2004, 07:15 PM

Actually the replacement gasket was rubber (not rubberized cork like the original). On the replacement gasket the bolts go through holes in the rubber gasket. Not sure if this changes your answer.

Also, any ballpark price on the Helicoil kit?

Hajoca · 11-14-2004, 10:42 AM

$20

no change in ans.
Don't rush.

jefe · 11-14-2004, 11:44 AM

Great! Thanks again.

SmokingTires · 11-14-2004, 12:23 PM

Make sure and use the right drill bit with the helicoil kit. They have specifics on what size you should use for the coil size you need to match the original bolt size.

And like he said, take your time. Make sure your drill path is straight and that you put the coil in dead center.

Good luck!

Mikey21 · 11-14-2004, 04:35 PM

Heli Coil is da bomb. It's saved my ass more than once.

But before going thru the expense of a Heli Coil try this. Remove the stripped bolt. Look into the hole to see what's up? If not looking too bad, stick something into the hole to measure the thread depth of the hole. Now measure the bolt to see how much more thread is above the bolt that stripped out. Be sure to calculate for the pan metal and gasket thickness. Often you will find more thread available. If there is some, get a longer bolt and nut. Thread the nut on and cut the bolt to length(leave like a 1/16" clearance). Clean up the threads with a file and back the nut off. Now apply lock tite and snug it in.

If no worky, Heli Coil is the bomb.

Mike