Question about a stripped pedal thread on a carbon frame

I was working on a customer's carbon road bike in the shop yesterday, trying to install new pedals. The drive side crank arm had a stripped aluminum insert, and the pedal just spun without catching. I used a 9mm helicoil kit from Park Tool to fix it, but I was sweating the whole time about cracking the carbon. Has anyone else had to repair a pedal thread on a carbon crank without making things worse?

3 comments

3 Comments

miles8342mo ago

Oh man, my buddy had that exact thing happen. He got it fixed at a shop, but they told him it was super sketchy to tap carbon. Said they almost didn't take the job.

the_tara2mo ago

Reminds me of this time I saw a guy try to fix a cracked carbon seatpost with super glue and zip ties. He was so sure it would hold for just one more ride. I mean, the whole thing just flexed like a wet noodle when he leaned on it. Some people will do anything to avoid taking it to a pro, even when it's clearly a lost cause.

dixon.amy1mo ago

Wait, they almost didn't take the job? That's how you know it's bad. What shop turns away money?