Just fixed heater, tire fell off

[frozen]

2 days after I fixed my heater (new hot (205) stat, and new heater core) I turned a corner and my front left tire/wheel/brake assembly fell off. (I was going really slow so no additional damage was done.)

Apparently the bolts that bolt the spindle/backplate to the knuckle of my D44HD had been working and finally just stripped the threads and came out. No broken bolts or anything, just pulled out of the knuckle. After further inspection the bolts on my other tire have been working a little and I need to address those as well.

I am planning to drill them out and tap em for 7/16 bolts. The original bolts are 3/8". There isn't much meat on the face of that knuckle but I think it will work.

Is there an alternate meathod of repair for a situation like this? Certainly open to any ideas.

Thanks
-pete

[Crazy_Jeepman]

I see no reason that would not work. It is a lot of work though, and must get them re-drilled and tapped straight. Might be easier to replace the knuckle, as that is what I would do.......however I am sitting on a pile of them and up in Alaska I don't imagine you are. Good Luck :D ;)

[Careful34]

Did you notice any warning noises in the weeks before this happened? :eek:

[Sgt. Dave]

How about a Heli-coil thread insert?

[Crazy_Jeepman]

I have had bad luck with Heli-coil thread inserts. I would not trust it on this aplication at all. I bet by the time you bought all the Heli-coil thread inserts you could buy a used Knuckle. Good thought, and not saying it wouldn't work just makes me nervous. :eek:

[Veepster]

I am with Crazy.....replace knuckle......I LOVE helicoils when used for the correct application

[Sgt. Dave]

Guess that would be expecting a bit much...

UPS ships to Alaska, Bet a Knuckle would fit in an appropriate box to ship. I sent an aitcraft engine cyl. to a buddy of mine in AZ,
got there overnight for $20

[frozen]

Thanks for the help guys. I can't believe that I didn't hear the tire flopping around before it came off. My Jeep isn't the quitest rig but it's not that noisy. I think I'll nose around a couple local junk yards and see if I can find a used knuckle

-pete