New thread

[FST4RD]

Is there anyway of putting a new thread on the end of the steering colum where the bolt goes that holds the steering wheel on without removing the colum? It's pretty smooth and want a decent thread on there to feel safer.
Thanks

[postfach]

yes, just take the wheel off, and with steering lock on, use a die on it, pretty easy just make sure you get it straight, which shouldn't be hard if there's thread on there already.

[FST4RD]

Yeah i think the owner 2 before me stripped it.
Still some there but not to much, feels pretty smooth but does up just enough for the steering wheel not to pull off.
But i i use the same factory die i'm guessing that cause the metals gone there wont be anything to make new thread?
Can i use the next size down and make a new thread?

[postfach]

I would imagine that there will be no problem using the next size down, of course, you'll need the appropriate sized nut and a washer, I'd use a nylock.

Shouldn't cause any issues since the nut is really only there to make sure you don't pull the wheel back off the spline. I don't know about you, but I don't go yanking backwards on my steering wheel for kicks .

[sergei]

I would imagine that there will be no problem using the next size down, of course, you'll need the appropriate sized nut and a washer, I'd use a nylock.

Shouldn't cause any issues since the nut is really only there to make sure you don't pull the wheel back off the spline. I don't know about you, but I don't go yanking backwards on my steering wheel for kicks .

I admit I used to do it, when I went ape because of a female... Now I am over it (partially because I don't hang out with russian females anymore).

Back on topic -> you will need to machine it somehow to the new size as the size smaller will be substantially smaller...

[Bling]

I know this may sound rangi, but can you just drill a hole across the steering column for a split pin, and fill up behind the split pin with some meaty washers till its tight enough to just get the split pin in?

always a rangi way to do things

[postfach]

haha i can just see that going wrong

[Bling]

use a bigger split pin then

[FST4RD]

Figured out that the thread is the same as the wheel nut of all things!
What about going to another thread type or something?
What I mean is that that the next thread size down in that particular thread type might be to small just to thread it out to, but in the other thread types is there a thread thats only just slightly smaller that i could get away with without having to machine it? Or are they all the same diameter just different thread pitches?

[Truenotch]

Smaller thread pitch might work if you are lucky.



I like the idea of the split pin and washers , reminds me of the Begg FM5 formula 5000 that was out at manfeild for the NZGP. All it had was a sleeve connected to the wheel that slid over the steering colmn with holes on either side, and a hole through the steering colmn. You just slide the pin out and take off the wheel to get out , no locking mech on the pin at all either.

[FST4RD]

Someone suggested helicoiling it....
But how strong is this and could it be done in the car?

[Truenotch]

Um aren't helicoils for thread holes not shafts / studs? Can't see them working particularly well on an outer, but they work well when in holes that have been threaded . Helicoil = for female holes - they are like a spring thing that replaces internal threads.

Try tapping a new thread with a die and see if it works, use the same pitch for starters and if it doesn't work then try it at a smaller pitch with a different nut.

Not really something you want to much around with though. If it comes off in your hands then what do you do? Try to brake before hitting a tree? or crank the spline? Try to put the wheel back on?

I reckon whatever you do, do it propperly.



Or just go get some split pins .

[flygt4]

helicoils are awesome for female threads, the thread insert is usually stronger than the original thread , as its stainless. not really applicable in this case.more for stripped manifold boltholes etc.

run die over it = the best way.

another possibility that is a bit rangi, but i have done before , is to use quicksteel, which an metal based epoxy putty that cures hard as steel, and is strong enough to hold a thread or maybe build a thread on.
I have used this for metal objects that can't be replaced and are difficult to replicate (light fittings on top of a pole), and it allows you to build up a strong metal surface to strengthen whatever you need to.

[Truenotch]

^^ That is a really good idea man!

Quick steel, Knead it, CRC minute mend, JB weld or a similar 2 part concoctions would work. As far as I know they are all able to be tapped and threaded.

we have a ball made out of minute mend at work and it's F*&#@n hard! And it bounces like a ball bearing.

Try the die first though

[flygt4]

yeah that crap goes hard as stone, i was well impressed when i first got it. first thing i did was make a ball too

[FST4RD]

Thanks guys, have 2 mates that have die sets but not big enough for this! lol
I think that said something about 12.5 or something can't remember, but if anyone in chch has a die set big enough for this let me know....
If it works I can throw 1/2 doz beers your way

[postfach]

is there a mitre10 mega there? i got a die set there with an m12 die in it, was like $15

[Malcolm]

wanna know how I would fix it if it's stuffed beyond repairing the current thread? Drill the centre out, tap it, then put a bolt and washer on to hold it in. If it's an M12 then a M8 would be sweet, all you'll need is a 6.5mm drill bit, an M8x1.5 tap and a suitable bolt & washer.

This would be far better than trying to put a smaller pitch thread on it (smaller pitch = larger thread root diameter so you'll have even less material holding it on), and easier than trying to find another thread that happens to be just enough smaller to be able to be cut without first reducing the diameter of the column

[ee904age]

wanna know how I would fix it if it's stuffed beyond repairing the current thread? Drill the centre out, tap it, then put a bolt and washer on to hold it in. If it's an M12 then a M8 would be sweet, all you'll need is a 6.5mm drill bit, an M8x1.25 tap and a suitable bolt & washer.

This would be far better than trying to put a smaller pitch thread on it (smaller pitch = larger thread root diameter so you'll have even less material holding it on), and easier than trying to find another thread that happens to be just enough smaller to be able to be cut without first reducing the diameter of the column

Edited

[FST4RD]

wanna know how I would fix it if it's stuffed beyond repairing the current thread? Drill the centre out, tap it, then put a bolt and washer on to hold it in. If it's an M12 then a M8 would be sweet, all you'll need is a 6.5mm drill bit, an M8x1.5 tap and a suitable bolt & washer.

This would be far better than trying to put a smaller pitch thread on it (smaller pitch = larger thread root diameter so you'll have even less material holding it on), and easier than trying to find another thread that happens to be just enough smaller to be able to be cut without first reducing the diameter of the column

Is that really that safe though? If it is thats cool will try it...