Rusted E16 external torx bolts for wheel bearing.

[David A. Warr]

Hello,
Looking for a tip. The E16 external torx bolts on the front wheel bearings are too rusty for the socket to grab the bolt. An E14 is too small. An E15 does exist but is impossible to find. If I can’t get those bolts out I’ll have to grind the wheel bearing to get it off. Any ideas?

 

[KJowner]

Weld a nut onto the head of the bolt.

 

[David A. Warr]

Weld a nut onto the head of the bolt.

Thanks but it is impossible to get at the bolt. That is the reason why external torx is used. There is no room for a hex head bolt.

 

[KJowner]

Thanks but it is impossible to get at the bolt. That is the reason why external torx is used. There is no room for a hex head bolt.

You can weld a bolt onto the torx head, there's space for that. I haven't had the pleasure of changing one yet.

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[David A. Warr]

You can weld a bolt onto the torx head, there's space for that. I haven't had the pleasure of changing one yet.

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Yes I suppose with the axle removed. Hadn’t considered that. Thanks again.

 

[DadOSix]

Occasionally, you can get an e-torx out with a similar sized 6 point socket. Might have to go SAE if a metric will not fit. 6 point only, impact (heavy wall) preferred.

Just did this on my sister’s cruze. Did not have the right e-bit so improvised this.

 

[David A. Warr]

Occasionally, you can get an e-torx out with a similar sized 6 point socket. Might have to go SAE if a metric will not fit. 6 point only, impact (heavy wall) preferred.

Just did this on my sister’s cruze. Did not have the right e-bit so improvised this.

Yes, I am going to try them all. Even heavy aluminum foil on the torx bolt to take up the slack on the E16. Thanks. I don’t really want to remove the upright if I can help it.

 

[David A. Warr]

Occasionally, you can get an e-torx out with a similar sized 6 point socket. Might have to go SAE if a metric will not fit. 6 point only, impact (heavy wall) preferred.

Just did this on my sister’s cruze. Did not have the right e-bit so improvised this.

Yes, I am going to try them all. Even heavy aluminum foil on the torx bolt to take up the slack on the E16. Thanks. I don’t really want to remove the upright if I can help it.

 

[u2slow]

Taking the knuckle off is not a terrible job. After removing the balljoint nut, a swift hammer-blow should do it. The lower control arm is what holds your alignment anyway.