Torx Bolt Head Size vs. Tools

[Forethat]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

So this question, I believe, applies to a whole range of models, hence the general forum.

The other day I attempted to remove the wheel hub assembly (bearing + hub) on my 8-series. The stretch bolts (part no. 31 20 6 872 920), are allegedly removed with a T60 torx.

My problem here is that I can't get the bolts to budge, and my immediate impression was that the T60 bit wiggled too much to be the correct tool, so I tried with a TP60. But the TP60 has absolutely no chance of fitting in the bolt head. So T60 it is.

I have made a couple of attempts with the impact gun and with an extension on a ratchet but none of the bolts move. If I push this only a tad more I'm confident the T60 bit will eventually spin in the bolthead and create an extremely problematic situation.

What the he** is this? Am I the only one to experience this issue? The boltheads are clearly too large! The car is only 12,000 miles old and is parked indoors at all times. I have flooded the bolts with Penetrate.

Two questions:
1. How do I remove the bolts without ruining the boltheads
2. Am I alone experiencing this issue?

[freakystyly]

Looked it up and that question was asked on the FCPeuro site with the answer: Torx plus TP60

I'm not sure what the difference is with T, TP, TS size wise. Hope it helps tho!

[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by freakystyly

Looked it up and that question was asked on the FCPeuro site with the answer: Torx plus TP60

I'm not sure what the difference is with T, TP, TS size wise. Hope it helps tho!

New one on me...

Found this.

https://www.sloky.com.tw/en/news/news-110.html

[tracer bullet]

PB Blaster can actually work to help get into threads and loosen things up a little. Not all products do what they claim, but it's a good one.

[4JawChuck]

Easiest thing to do for removal is use an Oxy/Acetylene torch to heat the bolt head red hot, let cool and it will come right out usually.

Basically your annealing the bolt to relax so it’s not under such high tension strain.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by 4JawChuck

Easiest thing to do for removal is use an Oxy/Acetylene torch to heat the bolt head red hot, let cool and it will come right out usually.

Basically your annealing the bolt to relax so it’s not under such high tension strain.

Eh, maybe. Also I've been told at least it expands and pushes outwards, literally stretching the hole that it's in. When everything cools afterwards it's shrunk a bit and that can gain a tiny bit of room and / or break free of some corrosion.

[chassis]

Originally Posted by 4JawChuck

Easiest thing to do for removal is use an Oxy/Acetylene torch to heat the bolt head red hot, let cool and it will come right out usually.

Basically your annealing the bolt to relax so it’s not under such high tension strain.

This.

Smoke wrench, one wrench to rule them all.

No need to heat red hot. Just get the hub flange and screw hot and get on it with the impact.

[Bruuuce]

Impact screwdriver is always a decent way to go. I use them on the jeep for similar issues.

here is an example, just needs the correct bit size.
https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-...ece-58151.html