TORX Problems??? Solution
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
Likes: 11
From: Punta Gorda,FL
Both Triumphs I owned had Phillips head screws, holding the covers on. I took them out and replaced them with socket head cap screws. It was very easy to strip those Phillips head screws. I haven't had any problem with the Torx bolts. I think most owner's have problems because they are not using the right size Torx bit. For example using a #25 bit instead of the proper size #27.
Tom
Tom
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
From: A Boston Yankee in Surrey, England
is it possible, or even a good/bad idea, to just swap out all the torx-headed bolts for hex or allens at some point? I'm about to start wrenching on my own Sportster for the first time, just to do the 10,000 mile service, and will take any helpful tips I can find on this kind of stuff.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
The biggest problem with the 27s are seizing and over tightening. I turn wrenches for a living so the 27s are no mystery to me. A lot of the cheep Torx actually twist. All my torx sockets are Snap-On and even after abusing them with an impact driver they keep on going. They do shatter after repeated abuse but for the home mechanic they would last a life time. I'm not endorsing the brand just get ones that wont twist. And I usually just hammer a 30 in a striped one and use the impact driver to remove it.
Last edited by FXSTDSE2; Sep 6, 2008 at 12:25 PM. Reason: spelling
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 282
Likes: 42
From: Pennsylvania
I have both torx and torx plus bits, I play it by feel on what fits the tightest.
Autozone and sears both carry Lisle brake co. bits, only thing is the tip of the bits have a slight bevel to them and that prevents the bit from bottoming in the head of the bolt square. Craftsman doesnt carry a t-27 bit, I could never find one.
I told my friend when he ordered his fat boy, that he is paying to have the bike prepped by the dealer, let them back the bolts out of the primary cover and antiseize them.
Autozone and sears both carry Lisle brake co. bits, only thing is the tip of the bits have a slight bevel to them and that prevents the bit from bottoming in the head of the bolt square. Craftsman doesnt carry a t-27 bit, I could never find one.
I told my friend when he ordered his fat boy, that he is paying to have the bike prepped by the dealer, let them back the bolts out of the primary cover and antiseize them.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 973
Likes: 0
From: Mt Dora Florida
I agree with Gumpy, no motorcycle toolbox is complete unless it has an impact tool. In the old days (60's, 70's) it was the only way to get the screws out. When you have a real stubborn one, it often helps to set the tool to tighten, give it a tap or two, then reset to loosen. Just be careful to get it into the bolt good.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
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