Problems with strut cover removal!
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 4
From: Saginaw, MI
Maybe, try to drill the head of the bolt off. I have done this a few time, but have not had to on my bike. Just drill a pilot hole in the center of the bolt a little deeper than the thickness of the bolt head. Then move to a larger drill bit. Repeat until the hole gets large enough and the bolt head will come off, from the stud of the bolt.Then you can remove the strut cover, spray with WD 40 then grab the remaining stud with some vice grips to remove. Go slow patience is required. Good Luck!
Last edited by hddan502; Dec 8, 2009 at 05:57 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Jack, AL...LV,NV
Since I work on Helicopters we have this problem ALOT with screws and bollts.... One trick is like one post said take a file and file a straight slot into the head for a #2 or #3 Flathead screwdriver. This sometimes works but depending on how good ur screwdriver is...I've broken quite a few SnapOns at work. Also, there is this compound that we call easyout (can't remember technical name) but essentially it's just a tacky gel-like substance with grit in it. Put osme in the hole and then it fills the hole to where ur Torx head will fit and grab. An easy trick to that instead of buying some is to just spit on the torx head and put it in the dirt to coat it good. Works just as well. Also, an actual bolt-out or screw-out kit works really well. They are better than the old Easy-out kit. Hope this helps. Like one guy said, you could drill off the head but I'd try these things first since soemtimes it's a pain in the *** using the vice-grip trick. You might not have enough to grip since you said you didn't even budge the bolt. I've done that one before too!
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 671
Likes: 5
From: D.C suburbs
Well, luckily for me my bolt came half way out and then stripped, so I was going to try the vice grips first. That white stuff harley put on there is a pain in the *** to remove. I just haven't tried it because I don't have the replacement bolts yet, so I didn't want to go ****ing with it yet.
I will definately keep your hints in mind and go get me an eazy out kit soon! I see me needing it pretty often!
I will definately keep your hints in mind and go get me an eazy out kit soon! I see me needing it pretty often!
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 2
From: Deltona, FL
Since I work on Helicopters we have this problem ALOT with screws and bollts.... One trick is like one post said take a file and file a straight slot into the head for a #2 or #3 Flathead screwdriver. This sometimes works but depending on how good ur screwdriver is...I've broken quite a few SnapOns at work. Also, there is this compound that we call easyout (can't remember technical name) but essentially it's just a tacky gel-like substance with grit in it. Put osme in the hole and then it fills the hole to where ur Torx head will fit and grab. An easy trick to that instead of buying some is to just spit on the torx head and put it in the dirt to coat it good. Works just as well. Also, an actual bolt-out or screw-out kit works really well. They are better than the old Easy-out kit. Hope this helps. Like one guy said, you could drill off the head but I'd try these things first since soemtimes it's a pain in the *** using the vice-grip trick. You might not have enough to grip since you said you didn't even budge the bolt. I've done that one before too!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 1
From: A house.
Yeah wrong size torx. I know that now. But how do I get it out? I have the same problem except I stripped it without even moving the bolt at all. How can I get it out?
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Jack, AL...LV,NV
Phrogman...I forgot about that as well. I think it sometimes works better. Essentially it's all the same concept.
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