Kingpin bushing bolt issue

[Chevyman_15237]

I had to replace a CV boot because it was slinging grease everywhere. Had it tore apart, cleaned it up and installed my new zipper boot. As I was finishing the install, I finger tightened the bolts into the kingpin bushings (passenger side boot guards). I put the 7/8" socket on the bolts, and tightened them all except one. The last one I went to tighten stripped out... worst part is I barely got the ratchet on there and it started spinning.

Probably no way to fix this unless you get a new kingpin bushing? Any thoughts or ideas?? Just happened 10 minutes ago, I havent had time to research, I'M IN PANIC MODE!!!!!!

Thank you in advance!

 

[gringeltaube]

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Probably no way to fix this unless you get a new kingpin bushing?
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New kingpin bushing, what does that do....???? No, install helicoil or go to 5/8"-18 thread/ bolt. Or replace the whole steering knuckle.

G.

 

[Heavysteven]

So the female thread is stripped? Not the bolt.

Replacing the knuckle is not hard It's just heavy and take time to get to. Maybe I have a photo

 

[Heavysteven]

The bolts in question?

 

[doghead]

You might be able to use a slightly longer bolt and get into some good threads deeper in the hole.

or, Drill it out and retap it for a Heli-coil or a thread insert, or just go to the next size larger bolt threads.

or, There are even some epoxy kits for thread repairs.

 

[bguy193]

It sounds like you didn't have the plate squared up when the bolt was started. You might want to remove the plate then get a new grade 8 bolt and chase the threads on the steering knuckle with a tap. When you reassemble.... square up the plate and get all of the bolts started and run all of them down snug before tightening.