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Topic: Stripped in-frame bolt holed for stabilizer bar bracket. (Read 298 times) previous topic - next topic
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Stripped in-frame bolt holed for stabilizer bar bracket.
During a recent trip to Capitola, for a few days on the beach, I heard a sudden pounding noise in the front end vicinity. Since we were almost at my destination I slowed down and continued. Upon inspection at our campsite I noticed that the steering damper was hanging down and the stabilizer bar bracket was completely gone and the steering damper mounting bracket was hanging on the end of the steering damper. This damper bracket was installed between the stabilizer bar bracket and the frame.
The existing Ford damper was replaced during an Escapees event around 2002 when our coach was relatively new. Note: I believe that it was installed by Henderson at that time.
After disconnecting the damper I drove home without any problems except an occasional rattle from the stabilizer bar hitting the frame. I did notice a big difference driving without the steering damper.
Upon further inspection at home I discovered that the in-frame bolt holes were stripped. This could have been caused by over or under torqueing by me when I replaced the bushings some time ago. However, I wonder if the pressure of the steering damper over time could have something to do with this. I did notice that the threaded bolt holes were in the frame only and not backed up by a secured (welded) in place nut. I guess the frame thickness is only 1/4 inch thick.
How to repair? Just go to a bigger bolt size and re-thread the frame holes? Remove the front bumper and see if I can get a grade "A" nut inside the frame?  Any suggestions?
2001 MB
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holed for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #1 –
Did Henderson install a centering-steering stabilizer?
I have seen several Henderson installs where the stock brackets were torched off and and different mount, used to accommodate a Safety-Plus were welded on, preventing the return to a stock-type stabilizer. 

A photo of the effected mount would be helpful.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holes for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #2 –
Thanks Larry, for your fast response. I honestly do not know how Ford  mounted its stock stabilizers in 2000 and 2001. However, I did not see any torched off areas.
I'll take a picture of it this afternoon or tomorrow. It is in storage at this time.
As I mentioned before, they installed the steering damper mounting plate between the stabilizer sway bar bushing bracket and the chassis frame, using the same two bolts. When I replaced the stabilizer bushings some time ago I did not recall anything unusual. I did notice that the threaded bolt holes in the frame are stripped. The Original M-10-1.50x30mm hex bolts, that I measured on the other side, are gone.

Aad
2001 MB
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holes for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #3 –
Larry and Others,
I just downloaded a picture of the steering damper with the attached mounting plate, as requested. I do not know if this is the original Ford mounting plate or a Henderson. If I recall correctly I had this installed around 2002. What are your suggestions about the stripped bolt holes?

Aad
2001 MB
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holed for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #4 –
Aad, as far as I can tell, the Safe-T-Plus and bracket showing in your photo is the one that Henderson's installed specifically for this steering stabilizer; again, as far as I can tell (and it looks just like the set-up in my 2003), it is not the OEM Ford bracket. I wanted to replace the Safe-T-Plus with a Bilstein steering stabilizer, which does utilize the OEM Ford bracket, but, as I understand it, this "can't" be done.

I suggest calling Henderson's and asking their advice; I doubt that there's anything to be done about the stripped bolt holes except to replace the Safe-T-Plus bracket. If the OEM Ford bracket indeed can't be retrofitted to allow for a Bilstein or other steering stabilizer installation, you may find that replacing the entire Safe-T-Plus stabilizer unit is a less expensive and longer-lasting solution overall.

Please report what you find out; thank you.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holed for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Aad Rommelse  - 
Thanks Larry, for your fast response. I honestly do not know how Ford  mounted its stock stabilizers in 2000 and 2001. However, I did not see any torched off areas.
I'll take a picture of it this afternoon or tomorrow. It is in storage at this time.
As I mentioned before, they installed the steering damper mounting plate between the stabilizer sway bar bushing bracket and the chassis frame, using the same two bolts. When I replaced the stabilizer bushings some time ago I did not recall anything unusual. I did notice that the threaded bolt holes in the frame are stripped. The Original M-10-1.50x30mm hex bolts, that I measured on the other side, are gone.

Aad

Don't have an answer but a question. Where is the photo? I'm assuming in the media section but I have no idea how to find it.

Jim
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holed for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #6 –
The photo is below the text in the post, at least on my laptop.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holed for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
The photo is below the text in the post, at least on my laptop.

This is what comes from not reading it carefully. I was looking at the post where he said he downloaded it and didn't see it there. Despite that, I quoted the message that actually had the picture. I made need a reboot.

Jim
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holed for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #8 –
Joan,
To be honest I am not too overly concerned about my steering damper. Despite its age, it was not giving me any trouble with my steering and was functioning quite well. I certainly noticed the difference driving home from Capitola to Fremont, CA without it , after removing the bracket and damper.
My main concern is for suggestions whether to increase the size of the bolt holes and re-thread in the frame only  or to see if there is a possibility to remove the front bumper and install two grade "A" bolts with lock washers and nuts inside the frame.
I understand that this will be a challenging operation. Has anyone ever had a similar incident?

Aad
2001 MB
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holed for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #9 –
Larry and Others,
Just to clarify the mounting of the stabilizer bracket. It was field-installed during an Escapees event and bolted with the existing sway bar bushing bracket bolts. No welding took place.

Aad
2001 MB
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holes for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Aad Rommelse  - 
If I recall correctly I had this installed around 2002. What are your suggestions about the stripped bolt holes?

Two choices. You can drill the holes out and tap to 7/16-20 threads.
The 1/4" thick steel limits the ultimate strength, there is more stress on this connection with the Safe-T-Plus than with the stock stabilizer and probably the reason why the bolts loosened and fell out, taking the threads with them..

The other, preferred method, is to use the fish wire technique. It uses the full strength of the bolt and it done correctly, should never be an issue again. Use grade-8 bolts and nylon nuts. Drill the holes out to accept a 7/16-20 bolt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xPPDuZ58rE
Amazon.com: CURT 58410 Trailer Hitch Fish Wire for 7/16-Inch Diameter Bolts,...
I add a star washer to the bolt to prevent it from turning or weld a short flag to the bolt head.
Below are two spare flag bolts carried in the Jeep.


Larry
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Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holed for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #11 –
"It was field-installed during an Escapees event and bolted with the existing sway bar bushing bracket bolts. No welding took place."
---
At least you have options; Henderson's replaced the OEM sway bar on my 2003 with the the proprietary Safe-T-Plus bracket and welded, not bolted, the bracket on.  :( 
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holed for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #12 –
Thanks Larry,
The fish wire way is a go for me. I was concerned about increasing and re-threading the bolt holes in the frame. I appreciate your expertise 

Aad
2001 MB
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holed for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
"It was field-installed during an Escapees event and bolted with the existing sway bar bushing bracket bolts. No welding took place."
---
At least you have options; Henderson's replaced the OEM sway bar on my 2003 with the the proprietary Safe-T-Plus bracket and welded, not bolted, the bracket on.  :(

The heavy-duty sway bar Henderson's installed on your LD ripped the threads out of one of the Factory mounts, the one we repaired with a nut and bolt at the Live Oak GTG, a couple of years ago.
Aftermarket HD sway bars and steering centering devices put mores stress on the Factory mounts than what they were  designed for, if the hardware isn't checked for proper torque regularly, it can loosen and damage the threads, probably the reason why Henderson's welded your mount on.
Even with proper maintenance, the threads may not be up to the task, in this case, upsizing the hardware and using nuts, bolts and washers, rather than the threaded holes in the frame, is advisable.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Stripped in-frame bolt holed for stabilizer bar bracket.
Reply #14 –
Larry, you certainly did repair the anti-sway bar mount on my rig (with a grade 8 bolt "liberated" from some part on your Jeep! ), but I made a part reference error  in my post when I said that Henderson's "replaced the OEM sway bar" with a proprietary bracket. Henderson's did replace the Ford anti-sway bar with an IPD bar (now Roadmaster), but the "proprietary bracket" replacement was for the Safe-T-Plus, not the anti-sway bar mount. (They may have replaced that mount, too, but since the thread was about the Safe-T-Plus bracket, I meant to refer to that!)

Anyway, the repair you made to the anti-sway bar is still good! Sorry for any confusion, definitely including my own!  ::)

2003 TK has a new home