Was replacing the pads and rotors on the Dakota and noticed that the threads on the passenger side steering knuckle are completely stripped and therefore cannot thread the caliper pins in.

My plan of attack is to buy new pins and use a helicoil, however I've found that there are 2 possible sizes: M9 x 1.25 and M10 x 1.25. Apparently this is a common problem on Dakotas/Durangos so if anyone else has done this could you please let me know what you did to fix it? Half the people say helicoils are fine and the other half say no.

I also considered an oversized caliper pin, drilling out the spindle threads and then using the oversized pin to tap a set of new threads. Apparently this is another way to fix it but shortens the life of the threads.

Would try to do this as cheapily as possible, don't really want to replace the knuckle.

Any help is appreciated.

 

You can get a new pin with oversize threads to cut into the stripped threads in the knuckle. Part #13894 in the "Help" section at Advance and cost just a few bucks. Probably the same part number at any other store too. I put one in my left front knuckle 2 or 3 years ago and it worked great. I had to put new hubs on last month and the oversize thread pin went right back in and tightened up fine. I made sure to put it back in the same bolt hole it came out of. I also put Loctite on the threads for peace of mind. I have never used a Helicoil so don't know much about those.

Jimmy

 

I had the same issue first it was trying to find the correct size for the guide bolts.. torx is listed but mine were not torx was an off size Hex.

I thought the Knuckle threads were stripped on mine too being it kept spinning.. Was going to helix core it or get oversized.. but i went to oriely and got the dorman (Might of been their house label i dont remember) replacement ones and fixed it right up.. it was my bolts threads stripped not the knuckle.. just some food for thought they are cheap and worth a shot as well before modifying it.

 

Thanks for the replies, it's definitely the steering knuckle that's stripped but I'll likely replace all the guide pins anyway since I know that the heads can also strip fairely easily (damn hex/torx heads).

I think the oversized pins are the cheapest and easiest method, but helicoils look pretty easy to use (I haven't used one before) just gonna cost me an extra $35 to get the kit.

 

I would try the same new pins see if that fix's things up remember these pins are only in hand tight only around 15 or 20 LB torque at most the pins are under almost no load at all the knuckle takes all the braking load not the pins.

Clean the hole out well before you fit them in I always spray the hole with brake cleaner then a Q-tip to clean the hole out.

Then try a dry fit by hand just the pin no caliper yet

If you are stripping them out you are either using way to much torque on them or inserting them crocked and cross threading them.

 

Get/Order the oversize pins first. Then if needed do the helicoil if needed.
That is a common and read a service bulletin somewhere where it said to use the heli coil.

The oversize pin package says just to use one pin per side. I have 4 oversize pins on my truck. Put over 40,000 miles with no problems.
Even changed pads. Still no problems.

 

So I called my local place and apparently the oversized ones are sold for $25.98 a piece (not for 2). Dorman part # 13894.

This is the same part number that Rockauto lists these for but at $15.64 a piece.

With the shipping to Canada it almost comes to the same amount... if I combine my order with a new set of brake hoses it may actually be worth it...

Has anyone seen these for cheaper on like eBay or something? My truck is not my DD anymore so theres no rush, I just find that $25 bucks for a single pin is ridiculous and I'll likely need all 4 (only took of passenger side and 1 thread is completely stripped, the other is starting to come out with the pin).

 

Boy you Canadians sure get your prices jacked up

 

You have no idea my friend.

When it comes to autoparts, add a 20-30% markup I swear.

I buy all my parts from Rockauto, coming from the states and paying for shipping/duties it's still cheaper than if I were to pick it up myself at my local store.

Not to mention we don't have Advance Auto, O'Reillys or Autozones.

 

My dakota had oversized pins in it and was fine then when they wore out I drilled and helicoiled it and it was fine even when I sold it 2 years later. Oversized pins are about 15-20.00 and the heli coil kit is around 50.00(comes with coils,drill bit and tap)