Spoon Twin Block Helicoil Separation

[Little_Nolan]

Got the Spoon hardware kit from RHDJapan and a Timesert kit to insert sleeves to replace the Helicolils.




This is what the Helicoils looked like after I removed the calipers. Moral of the story is DO NOT use OEM bolts. Use the Spoon bolts.

I plan on installing the TimeSerts this weekend if I have time and will update with a “How to”.

[coolhandluke]

Wow, I didn't visualize this was the scenario when this thread first started. I'm glad the appropriate Spoon hardware was still available (who would have guessed given Spoon?) I've never had a project involving Helicoil or Timesert, so I look forward to learning.

[Little_Nolan]

Wow, I didn't visualize this was the scenario when this thread first started. I'm glad the appropriate Spoon hardware was still available (who would have guessed given Spoon?) I've never had a project involving Helicoil or Timesert, so I look forward to learning.

These calipers are WELL used. The major issue it seems, is that if you use the OEM Honda bolts and not the Spoon bolts, the helicoils are likely to strip out when those caliper bolts are removed. It seems that the threads are difference somehow in shape despite both being the same "size". Also, its seems like if you do not use the supplied washer or use it incorrectly, it can make the situation much worse with the helicoils. I did not install these calipers, but I do know that when Matt put them on he used new Honda bolts and not Spoon bolts and there were also no spacing washers. Right now I am trying to figure out how the washers are supposed to go. Between the caliper tab and the hub OR do they go between the bolt and hub. Spoon's directions do not show the USDM ITR layout on it.

I have found others complaining about the same Helicoil separation in other threads dating back some considerable time. And others have also done a Time-Sert fix but I can not find a good trove of info on how to either not screw up the Helicoils in the first place or repair them if you do.

Helicoil kits can also be purchased but the aluminum threads in the calipers must still be there and in perfect shape, which mine are not.

[Little_Nolan]

Double post - delete.

[aw614]

I wonder what the material differences are with the supplied Spoon bolts vs the oem bolts. The differences looks to be the coating, but I thought they were all grade 10.9 bolts. When I installed my set, I kept wondering about the helicoil, something about it concerned me.

Before I got my twinblocks I was really close to buying a used set on YAJ without the bolts...

[aw614]

These calipers are WELL used. The major issue it seems, is that if you use the OEM Honda bolts and not the Spoon bolts, the helicoils are likely to strip out when those caliper bolts are removed. It seems that the threads are difference somehow in shape despite both being the same "size". Also, its seems like if you do not use the supplied washer or use it incorrectly, it can make the situation much worse with the helicoils. I did not install these calipers, but I do know that when Matt put them on he used new Honda bolts and not Spoon bolts and there were also no spacing washers. Right now I am trying to figure out how the washers are supposed to go. Between the caliper tab and the hub OR do they go between the bolt and hub. Spoon's directions do not show the USDM ITR layout on it.


Helicoil kits can also be purchased but the aluminum threads in the calipers must still be there and in perfect shape, which mine are not.

The directions separate it between 5 lug (USDM and JDM) and 4x100 cars using the spoon rotors. If I recall from the manual, the washer goes between the bolt and the hub for five lug cars.

The Spoon 4x100 rotor has it going between the caliper tab and the hub. Possibly might be the same for those using 4x114 rotors.
I can post a picture of the directions when I get home.

[Little_Nolan]

^ https://www.icbmotorsport.com/spsp4twblca.html

ICB has the instructions posted here. But they are somewhat odd. If you look at the left side it shows EK4/9 with the washer in between the caliper and the hub, the right side shows 98 spec DC/DB and the washer goes between the bolt and the hub. Whats confusing is that the USDM ITR hubs are not 98+ spec hubs and are instead like the the EK9 hubs which has me wondering exactly what to do. I assumed that the washer would go between the bolt and hub but its not clear from Spoons instructions.

I wonder what the material differences are with the supplied Spoon bolts vs the oem bolts. The differences looks to be the coating, but I thought they were all grade 10.9 bolts. When I installed my set, I kept wondering about the helicoil, something about it concerned me.

Before I got my twinblocks I was really close to buying a used set on YAJ without the bolts...

The Helicoil is definitely the weak point on these. The bolts are a different shape on the tip, which might have something to do with the Helicoil - idk.

[aw614]

I wonder if the "EK9" part is a mistake, when the Eg2/eg6/eg9/EK4 are 4x100 cars and the DC2 96 spec is a 4x114 and those seem to have similar rotor positioning on the hub vs the 5x114 setup?

[Little_Nolan]

Worked on doing the Tine-Sert fix today and completed it with out any issues- however it does take time to do it right and an eye for detail. I have not reinstalled the calipers yet, but initial impressions is that they are superior to the helicoils and I expect them to last in comparison.

Step 1: Remove old helicoils.

Step 2: Drill out the hole with supplied drill bit. With the spoon calipers this step was not necessary and I could progress directly to 3.

Step 3: Countersink the holes with the supplied countersink attachment. You will need a tap and die handle though which is not supplied in the kit from Time-Sert. Clean the shavings.




Step 4: Tap the holes with the supplied tap and use a tap and die handle. Clean off any shavings.




Step 5: Insert the Time-Sert sleeve following the very specific instructions they provide. They also have some how to videos on YouTube that are helpful.

Step 6: Test the Spoon bolts. Mine fit perfect and threaded in with out resistance.

Finished Time-Sert inserts look like this:










Overall, I am happy. I plan to reinstall the calipers this week and test out the durability and bed in some new pads.

[coolhandluke]

Excellent work! The finished results look superb, it takes a close eye to notice any difference over factory.