Seized TORX- tips wanted
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 33
Likes: 2
From: Kohler, WI
Seized TORX- tips wanted
Trying to remove the rear fender struts on '03 Fatboy and several of the torx bolts are seized tight. They feel like they're on the verge of stripping. Tried PB Blaster but several bolts still won't budge. And tips other than drilling out which I'd like to avoid?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,146
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
Here are a few tips, in addition to the penetrating oil and making sure you're using the proper size torx bit...
1) Try heat... I use a heat gun (or your wife's hair dryer will work) rather than a torch on most bolts that I heat up... always be careful using heat around painted parts
2) Then try a manual impact driver:
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-impa...190612143715:s
3) If these don't work graduate to a battery operated impact driver:
4) Of course on bigger bolts, you can then graduate to a pneumatic impact wrench. I only use a breaker bar on nuts/bolts holding something that could be damaged from the vibration of the impact drivers.
I have these tools and have used them successfully on "stubborn" bolts. If used in the listed order (heat, manual impact, battery impact, then pneumatic impact - breaker bar when applicable) I can get most nuts/bolts out... if they strip using these steps, at least I know I gave it a solid attempt to save the fastener....
Good luck...
1) Try heat... I use a heat gun (or your wife's hair dryer will work) rather than a torch on most bolts that I heat up... always be careful using heat around painted parts
2) Then try a manual impact driver:
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-impa...190612143715:s
3) If these don't work graduate to a battery operated impact driver:
4) Of course on bigger bolts, you can then graduate to a pneumatic impact wrench. I only use a breaker bar on nuts/bolts holding something that could be damaged from the vibration of the impact drivers.
I have these tools and have used them successfully on "stubborn" bolts. If used in the listed order (heat, manual impact, battery impact, then pneumatic impact - breaker bar when applicable) I can get most nuts/bolts out... if they strip using these steps, at least I know I gave it a solid attempt to save the fastener....
Good luck...
Last edited by hattitude; Jun 12, 2019 at 09:51 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 583
Likes: 382
From: Allegan, Mi
Definitely good advice from hattitude.
Heat those stuck bolts up first, a soldering iron held to the head of the bolt works too.
I had one on each side that wouldn't budge til i heated them, that thread locker the factory uses is like glue LOL.
Good luck.
Heat those stuck bolts up first, a soldering iron held to the head of the bolt works too.
I had one on each side that wouldn't budge til i heated them, that thread locker the factory uses is like glue LOL.
Good luck.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 12
From: Westchester, NY
I have a set like this that I use to get stuck bolts out. I'm not sure what size the Fender Strut bolt is though... These work great.... You will probably need to replace the bolt since these tend to cut into the head.
https://www.harborfreight.com/9-pc-3...set-67894.html
MIke
NY
https://www.harborfreight.com/9-pc-3...set-67894.html
MIke
NY
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
I'll reiterate what was said first in post #2, use the correct TORX bit. Many a T27 has been stripped by a T25 bit. Get good quality hardness bits. Avoid the "K-Mart" special type. Patience is often needed.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,900
Likes: 8,007
From: poway
Heat will help. You don't need a hammer type impact, just a hammer. Slip the torz socket into the bolt and tap right straight down with a ball peen. Try to remove. No luck repeat.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
I have a set like this that I use to get stuck bolts out. I'm not sure what size the Fender Strut bolt is though... These work great.... You will probably need to replace the bolt since these tend to cut into the head.
https://www.harborfreight.com/9-pc-3...set-67894.html
MIke
NY
https://www.harborfreight.com/9-pc-3...set-67894.html
MIke
NY
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,542
Likes: 6,416
From: Honah Lee
If loctite is on them, penatrant has no effect. Lot of places, big torix fittings, oil, chrome or powder coat, I use a air impact. Bolt is trash but they come out.
Heat concerns me and a hand impact won't work on a springy area. If you cannot afford at least a heavy electrical impact, you really ought to farm Harley work out.
Heat concerns me and a hand impact won't work on a springy area. If you cannot afford at least a heavy electrical impact, you really ought to farm Harley work out.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 17, 2019 at 11:47 AM.