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Stripped Bolt Holes in Dust Cover

1969VAGTX

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The dust cover on the front of my transmission (as if its unique) has four bolts holding it on. The two lower holes appear to be almost completely stripped out. Anyone have any experience with having to fix this type of problem with these specific bolt holes? Would appreciate any recommendations if there are any. I am not sure what the best way forward is to proceed. As a side note, I am about to replace the rear main seal anyway because it is leaking so this will provide an opportunity to fix this seemingly minor problem.
 
I had the same problem a couple weeks ago. I used a recoil kit. The oil pan was off the car so I had access to drill out each one and install a thread insert. With the trans out it will be easy.
 
Not planning on taking the trans out since that is not necessary for the rear main job. But the oil pan will be off if that will make it easier to get to the holes.
 
You should be able to access that area with a small 90 degree angle drill, with a short
drill bit. And like the others have mentioned... use the shortest heli-coil you can buy.
If you can only find the longer heil coils, install them and let them dry overnight, then
use a hand held cutoff disc, and carefully shave it off until just smooth. I have done
this, and it does work. Good luck with your project!
 
Are you suggesting to ditch the dust cover all together?
nah just the bolts, mine did same thing thing. they eventually rattled out. the top two hold it in place just fine.
my efforts were better off with other broken stuff or looking at tictocs
tap a larger bolt 5/16 in it's place or helicoil is best options if you really want it fixed. IMO
 
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