[Vwdiesel] stripped tensioner bolt hole

[Roger Brown]

A 3/8x16 (NC) tap should start out in the 8mm hole, 5/16" is the recommended starting hole 
size for that.  If it is a blind hole, try with a 3 piece tap set with the plug, taper and 
bottom taps in succession.  And see if you have a socket that fits over the end of the tap 
(like a 12-point style) and then you can run the tap in with a ratchet if there is no room 
to swing a regular tap wrench.

On 4/15/2015 8:24 AM, Rolf Pechukas wrote:
> yeah, that's the problem, no room to work without removing the entire arm (big job)
> going to try to work a tap in there and fit a 3/8" replacement bolt (!)
>
>
> On 4/14/15 5:29 PM, Gunny wrote:
>>
>> If you have the room install a keen cert an use the stock bolt
>>
>> On Apr 14, 2015 12:40 PM, "Rolf Pechukas" <rbp at 4u2bu.org <mailto:rbp at 4u2bu.org>> wrote:
>>
>>     hi all
>>
>>     2001 Golf TDi [ALH]
>>
>>     trying to re-install serpentine belt tensioner after an alternator
>>     replacement
>>
>>     2 bolts are good (the 2 shorties), but the long one won't snug up
>>
>>     stripped threads in the aluminum carrier arm
>>
>>     (not sure how this happened - garage recently serviced serp belt -
>>     someone may have used an impact wrench? I'm always very gingerly
>>     around aluminum, ever since my son and I had to put steel inserts
>>     in the block of his '97 Z3 b/c the head bolts wouldn't torque)
>>
>>     thoughts? tap for larger bolt? other ideas?
>>
>>     aluminum sucks
>>
>>     thanks
>>
>>     Rolf in MA
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>
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