The frame of the 2006-07 Corvette Z06 is made of aluminum. Holes for attaching various parts to the frame contain threaded steel inserts. In the case of the upper control arms (front and rear), there are 16 attaching points, each with a wire thread insert installed during the manufacturing process.

If one of these inserts becomes damaged, it’s necessary to remove the damaged part and replace it with a solid, thin-walled, key-locking, stainless steel keysert. SI document 1796206 explains the procedure for using the CH 48106 Suspension Thread Repair Kit.

Refer to SI for details. Here are some highlights.


A. Drill

B. Tap

C. Insert

D. Driving keys

Use the CH-48106-1 extracting tool to remove the damaged insert.

A. With the insert removed, drill out the damaged threads using drill bit CH-48106-2.

Use CH-48106-3 chamfering tool to countersink the drilled out hole.

B. Then use CH-48106-4 tap (size M14-1.5 6H), a tap handle and CH-48106-8 cutting oil to thread the hole.

C. Place the CH-48106-7 keysert into the slotted sections of the CH-48106-5 installation tool and thread the keysert into the hole.

D. Finally, use the CH-48106-5 installation tool and a hammer to drive the keysert keys
(fig. 5) into the aluminum until the keys are even with or slightly below the surface of the counterbore. The keys mechanically lock the keysert to the threaded aluminum.

After installing the keysert, check that it’s properly installed into the hole.

Then temporarily install the suspension bolt.

TIP: If necessary, add shims or washers to the bolt.

Tighten to 91 N·m (67 lb ft). Verify that the suspension bolt is seated flush to the surface