So i went to do the haldex oil/filter change, and teh drain plug as a pain to get off. We eventually got it off, but along with it came some thread from the haldex unit itself.

When putting in the new plug, it would just spin, the holes were stripped. I ended up not using the washer, and the plug held in (had to get car off friends lift).

The plug w/o washer is in now, its not leaking, but im sure it will eventally, and I dont want to know what happens if the unit runs dry!!!

Anyways, what is the recommended fix to address this? Tap the drain hole to the next size and buy a bigger plug? Helicoil? or just take it to the stealership?

Thanks!

 

my vote is for a helicoil. Probably one of the best things you can do when threading into aluminum. I have more trouble with aluminum threaded parts than anything else in the garage.

 

looking at the plug, do you think there is enough material there to use the helicoil? is this something thats DYI or should i take it in?

 

As a fallback you can always thread it up a size and use a bolt + copper washer, DIY.

 

only thing that worries me about tapping next size up is leaving metal shavings inside the unit.

 

Put thick grease (like wheel bearing) on the tap to catch the metal shavings & back it up a lot, wipe if off, etc. I did this on an alloy motorcycle case and it worked just fine.

 

Thanks for the suggestions Dana Reed....

Does anyone know what the size of the bolt is?

 

do a re-thread and take the bolt to the dealers for a replacement bolt chances are you only lost a few threads