Anyone have experience with Helicoil?
 

I went to do the pads on my new blazer (1991 S-10/4x4/4.3) and when I went to reassemble I found the bolt holes for the caliper stripped out.... all of them.

Which sucked, but based on how much of a POS this truck has been... not surprising.

Anyhow, I was able to use self-tapping oversized replacement bolts on the passenger side. But the driver's side was stripped out larger than the oversized bolts, on both holes.

SO, I recently became aware of Helicoil. But I have no idea how to select the right size. Or how to install it.

My next question is, while Ill have to Helicoil the driver side, should I leave the oversized bolts in the passenger side or take them out and Helicoil those holes too?

THANKS!

It's been about 4 years since I've done this, but lemme see if I can remember this.

When you get the Helicoil box, it will have three numbers that all coincide together-the size of the bolt you want to use, the size of the helicoil you want to use, and the size of the hole you want to drill. You can take any one of these numbers that you already know and get the other two numbers. You start by drilling out a new hole the size that you need(unless the hole already there is nice and smooth-not likely). Then, you take a tap and die set and thread the new hole so you can screw in the helicoil. Once you screw in the helicoil, there's going to be 4 pins on it-you press/tap those in and you're good to go. As far as I recall, it's that simple.

As far as one or both sides-I'd do both sides just to keep the job simple next time you go to replace your brake pads.

bite the bullet and replace. too much work.

^^^+1
Go get new calipers at this point. It would suck for you and everyone near you if your brakes failed because of a rigged fix.

Agreed, replace the calipers. When your safety, anyone riding with you, those on the highway around is in question do`t cut corners.

I already got the new calipers...

now to find a new knuckle!

Thanks for the advice