Tapered Pipe Thread Repair

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWDSECTION Tapered Pipe Thread Repair
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora and 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The thread repair insert for tapered pipe threads is coated with a clear silver zinc coating.

WARNING: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

Important:  The use of a cutting type fluid GM P/N US 1052864, Canada 992881, WD 40® or equivalent is recommended when performing the drilling, counterboring and tapping procedures.

When installed to the proper depth, the flange (1) of the insert will be seated against surface (2) of the base material of the drilled/tapped hole.

Fig 1: Identifying Insert Flange Proper Installation Position
G01817144Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: 

  • During the drilling process, it is necessary to repeatedly remove the drill and clean chips from the hole and the flutes of the drill.
  • Drill the hole until the stop collar contacts the surface of the base material.
  1. Drill out the threads of the damaged hole.
    Fig 2: Drilling Hole
    G01817145Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  All chips must be removed from the drilled hole prior to tapping.

  2. Using compressed air, clean out any chips.
    Fig 3: Cleaning Hole
    G01817146Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important: 

    • During the tapping process, it is necessary to repeatedly remove the tap and clean chips from the hole and the flutes of the tap.
    • Ensure the tap has created full threads at least to the depth equal to the insert length.
  3. Using a suitable tapping wrench, tap the threads of the drilled hole.
    Fig 4: Tapping Threads Of Drilled Hole
    G01817147Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Tap the drilled hole until the threads at the top of the tap (2) are down to the surface of the base material.
    Fig 5: Identifying Tap Threads At Base Of Material
    G01817148Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  All chips must be removed from the tapped hole prior to insert installation.

  5. Using compressed air, clean out any chips.
    Fig 6: Cleaning Hole
    G01817149Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Spray cleaner GM P/N 12346139, P/N 12377981 or equivalent into the tapped hole.
    Fig 7: Spraying Cleaner In Tapped Hole
    G01817150Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  All chips must be removed from the tapped hole prior to insert installation.

  7. Using compressed air, clean out any chips.
    Fig 8: Cleaning Hole
    G01817151Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  Do not allow oil or other foreign material to contact the outside diameter (OD) of the insert.

  8. Lubricate the threads of the driver installation tool (2) with the driver oil (1) J 42385-110.
    Fig 9: Lubricating Driver Installation Tool Threads
    G01817152Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Install the insert (2) onto the driver installation tool (1).
    Fig 10: Installing Insert Onto Driver Installation Tool
    G01817153Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Apply threadlock sealant GM P/N US 12345493, Canada 10953488, J 42385-109, LOCTITE 277® or equivalent (1) to the insert OD threads (2).
    Fig 11: Applying Threadlock To Insert Threads
    G01817154Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Install the insert (2) into the tapped hole.
    Fig 12: Installing Insert Into Tapped Hole
    G01817155Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  If the insert will not thread down until the flange contacts the surface of the base material remove the insert immediately with a screw extracting tool and inspect the tapped hole for any remaining chips and/or improper tapping.

  12. Install the insert until the flange (2) of the insert contacts the surface of the base material.
    Fig 13: Identifying Insert Contacting Surface Of Base Material
    G01817156Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  The driver installation tool will tighten up before screwing completely through the insert. This is acceptable. The threads at the bottom of the insert are being formed and the insert is mechanically locking the insert into the base material threads.

  13. Continue to rotate the driver installation tool (1) until the top of the threaded section (2) is level with the top of the insert (3).
    Fig 14: Identifying Threaded Section Level With Top Of Insert
    G01817157Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Inspect the insert (1) for proper installation (2) into the tapped hole.
    Fig 15: Identifying Proper Insert Installation Position
    G01817158Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Any installed insert that restricts or blocks an oil or engine coolant passage (3) will need to have the oil or engine coolant passage drilled out (4) to the original size of the oil or engine coolant passage. After drilling the restriction or blockage, clean out any chips and thread the installation driver tool through the insert again to remove any burrs caused by the drilling of the oil or engine coolant passage.
    Fig 16: Identifying Oil Or Engine Coolant Passage
    G01817159Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.