Cross threaded seat mount

[Alistair Francis]

I was reinstalling the drivers seat and I managed to cross thread the threads in the car that the seat mounts to.

I can now insert the bolt in what I think is the correct angle and hand screw the bolt down a few turns or insert the bold at an angle and turn it a few times as well.

I was planning on getting a M10 x 1.25mm tap and fixing the threads. Can I start the tap on the current path that the screw will hand turn down? It looks like the button half of the threads are all fine so I was hoping I could just re-align it with those.

 

[Alistair Francis]

My plan is to basically do what this guy does:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeMPy1LQ1V4

 

[Jack Ratt]

There is a chance you will be able to pick up the old thread but just as much of a chance that you wont. You've got nothing to lose by trying. If it doesn't go to plan you could fit a helicoil which would reinstate your old thread pattern. Where are you located ? If you're close to me I've got some M10 helicoils and the kit to fit them

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

If you can start the tap in the other side of the nut you might be ok, in any case re-cutting the thread from above should be fine. Keep a firm hold of the tap, try not to let it wonder around to much.

Mike

 

[t-tony]

Start the tap perpendicular to the threaded hole and you will re connect with the good thread st the bottom.
Also when fitting something a seat with multiple mounts ALWAYS start ALL the fasteners BEFORE tightening ANY. That allows you to still move the seat a little to start the bolts.

Tony.

 

[Alistair Francis]

I can't get to the bottom, it's all enclosed. I'll just have to try and do it from the top.

Thanks for the advice about the HeliCoil. I'm glad to know I have a backup. I'm over in California at the moment so not close to you.

 

[Alistair Francis]

Thanks for the advice Tony. I'll be sure to fit them all next time

 

[Alistair Francis]

Phew!

I purchased a tap and die kit and tried to re-tap the hole. Unfortunately the tap spanner was too wide and I couldn't turn it without bumping against the side of the car. After then getting a T-Style tap spanner I managed to re-tap the hole. The bolt now tightens all the way in with just my fingers! Thanks for the advice.

Now I'm super careful to finger tighten everything before I get the ratchet out.