850 Front Wheel Bearing rplcmnt, G*%D@&$eD e14 Torx bolts!!!

futureboycolin · Post by **futureboycolin** » 27 Feb 2013, 08:55

So, I got myself 2 Timken/FAG wheel hubs, and decided to re-use all the OE bolts.

I managed the passenger side replacement, caliper, control arm ball joint no problem, and after using a MAPS torch on the e14 Torx bolt heads, and ends and plenty of penetrant they came off too. Don't get me wrong, they were a PITA, and I was worried about twisting the strut around too much, but they came off.

I wasn't so lucky on the driver's side.

I stripped off the flanges on 2 of the Torx bolts in a row, after the same procedure...possibly didn't wait long enough for the bolts to cool? So...I decided to throw in the towel (It's SOOOO frustrating to give up, and have to reassemble everything after having gone that far, and just have 1 step left in the repair. I'm so disappointed in myself), and take it to my local garage. I'm hoping I get away for under $100 on the labor, but I doubt it.

If I had unlimited time, I would've tried a different solution...but I've never drilled out a bolt before. Unfortunately, I'm moving on Friday morning, and I need the car to be ready by then. If you were me, what would you have done?

Post by **cn90** » 27 Feb 2013, 09:07

Well,

You should not have heated the bolt head.
Whenever dealing with rusted nuts/bolts, you heat the "nut" part (or the female part) to expand it.
In this case, you should have heated the old bearing holes (where the Torx bolts go in).

daveybeee · Post by **daveybeee** » 27 Feb 2013, 09:13

I have had that happen to me. Had to break out the acetylene torch and cut the head off the offending bolt. What a pain.

futureboycolin · Post by **futureboycolin** » 27 Feb 2013, 09:26

Guess you learn the important lessons the hard way. Left it at the garage about 5 minutes ago, so they get to have fun with the stripped bolts.

Post by **mercuric** » 27 Feb 2013, 10:03

Anyone replace Torx bolts with standard hex heads, where it allows? My general experience over the years with Torx fasteners has been pretty negative... Even with the right tools, they seem to invite more trouble than good 'ole hex heads.

Or is it just me, and I should learn to love them because they're technically awesome?

futureboycolin · Post by **futureboycolin** » 27 Feb 2013, 10:17

It's funny, because I was thinking the exact same thing. I don't understand why they would use the Torx bolts only on the hardest to reach, and most seize-prone area of the assembly?

Also, when I went to the garage, they were doing the bearings on a late 90's Forester, and I was talking to Harry the head mechanic and he told me that they were having trouble with/hated the Torx bolts.

Post by **jblackburn** » 27 Feb 2013, 12:44

But...but...Torx don't strip!

Yeah, bullcrap.

Sorry, that's all the insight I have. I was able to break mine loose with a wrench and a metal bar and my foot.

Post by **erikv11** » 27 Feb 2013, 13:04

Pretty sure they are torx because of profile. Bolt heads would get in the way there.

Post by **jblackburn** » 27 Feb 2013, 13:19

External Torx bolts have pretty much the same profile as a regular hex-head.

futureboycolin · Post by **futureboycolin** » 27 Feb 2013, 13:20

My mechanic told me that they used an e13 or e12 and pounded it onto the bolt head, then heated the other end and it came free. One of the benefits of having hydraulic lifts is leverage. Man I wish I had a lift.