39 replies to this topic

[MRA]

That was the only U.K. kit I could find. In the U.S. the repair kits are sold individually in blister packs "out front" in the parts stores. They use 1/8" NPT pipe taps for mounting and the kits do not include the tap. In the end, those kits cost about $10 (6 GBP or so) but... they expect you to already have the tap and tap drill.

Ive got access to normal taps and drills milling machines and lathes etc Im a qualified engineer just out the trade now lol but my old man is in it still just dont like playing with brakes if I can help it id rather get the part out... lol cheers for the info tho as a last resort ill buy one of those

Cheers again buddy

Then you shouldhave no issues with drilling it out, measure the depth from the other caliper and dont drill deeper all should be ok then.

[mini_in_progress]

Yup. I even used to machine ap calipers at one point. They came as blank castings and some were for f1 cars...well over half were scrapped for very silly reasons tho.... hence I dont like machining calipers lol

Guess ill see how the left hand drills go when they arrive.......... or try some better acid to melt the bleed nipple ;)

[dklawson]

The sad thing is the LH bits you ordered from over here will almost certainly come from China. That set Ethel posted the link to would have been quicker to get. Regardless there are lots of uses for them.

The Harley Part caliper repair kit is also a good deal and comparable in price to what I have used before.

Being a machinist you know what is involved so nothing more really needs to be said. Keep us informed of your progress!

[Shifty]

http://www.tracytool...&product_id=707

http://www.ebay.co.u...2747#vi-content

Just bought some from Tracy tool, cheers for the link!!

[MRA]

The sad thing is the LH bits you ordered from over here will almost certainly come from China.

That is sad all of my taps are made in the UK or Ireland.

That set Ethel posted the link to would have been quicker to get. Regardless there are lots of uses for them.

........ and no you dont need LH drills for LH taps :)

[sonikk4]

There is another option, Spark erosion. This is something that is done on Aviation engines namely gas turbines to remove damaged bolts / studs etc

http://www.erodatool...CFaTMtAod0gUALw

[dklawson]

a.k.a. "EDM" (electro discharge machining) for people in the U.S.

Spark Erosion / EDM is pretty much the standard method used to remove broken "hard" materials (like taps and EZ-Outs) snapped off in holes. It is costly and slow but often the only way to safely salvage a part.

And Martin... you know I was not suggesting LH drills for LH taps. I cannot even think of any places I have seen a LH thread on the Mini apart from the rear stub axle.

[mini_in_progress]

Yea I know about spark erosion from my apprenticeship days ... ive never seen or used the method tho.

[sonikk4]

As Doug has said its not cheap and tends to be used on high end equipment like jet engines etc where the cost of a replacement unit runs from 5 figures up to 7 figures. Not a lot of room for error there.

Saying that it may still work out cheaper to do than you think so always worth enquiring.

[Shifty]

Its probably not good engineering practise but i've used the plasma cutter to 'carve' out broken taps and stuff at work. Its not the neatest job in the world and you have to have a very steady hand as well!!!


You can usually blow a big hole down the centre of the broken bit and then chisel the remains out. Its also not a good idea near flammable stuff either as there are quite a few sparks produced.