More on stripped subframe bolts

[Dave Glubrecht]

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A few months ago I bought a fair condition urQ.  I have been driving it dai=
ly with no problems.  The car had a clunk in the right front that sounded l=
ike lower control arm bushings but they were in good cond.  Since the clunk=
 has been getting worse I looked for the noise again.  Under the car I foun=
d rust indicating movement between the subframe and the chassis.  I found t=
he bolt to be stripped  Having experiance with Heli-Coil I decided to go th=
at route.  After lowering the subframe for access, I drilled, tapped and in=
serted as propper.  I then reassembled.  Upon reassembly I found the bolts =
to the lower ball joint loose and tightened them (obviously the noise I sta=
rted after).  Other than lowering the subframe for access I thought this jo=
b was quite reasonable don't understand all the list traffic reguarding thi=
s issue.
I understand if the nut was spinning and no longer "captured" but I have al=
ways had great success with Heli-Coil.  I have no affiliation with them, ju=
st think this is an excellent repair and in many cases (esp. aluminum) the =
helicoil threads are better than original.
  Also I believe that my car is running lean on boost and would appreciate =
any suggestions on fixes or how to check.
I already plan on checking SJM and have checked the wot switch.
  Speed channel was good for a change yesterday with a good variety of moto=
r sports and they did show the Greek Acropolis rally of 1981 featuring the =
"Controversial Audi Quattro" which was "annialating" the competition prior =
to loosing the rear diff and being disqualified (not sure of the relation).
   Dave G

http://www.pelkie.com/mycars.htm