I hate torx bolts
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 345
Likes: 19
From: Indiana
Decided to change my trans and primary fluids today. Beautiful 80 degree day for a little 25 mile ride down to J&P at Destination Daytona, wont be so nice in about 9 days when the masses will arrive for Bike Week.
Took the drain plugs out of the trans and primary, and when I went to take the derby cover off one of the damn torx bolts stripped out. First tried hammering the next size up torx wrench into it, but that didn't work. Got the drill and easy outs, and ended up breaking the easy out off in the bolt.
Taped up the derby cover around the bolt and got the dremel out and cut a slot in the bolt, and channel locked a big *** screw driver. Turned right out.
Last time the cover was off was when the dealership replaced my comp.
Going out tomorrow and buying some stainless 1/4-20 allen head bolts. Sure as hell aint gonna use torx again.
Rant over...carry on.
Took the drain plugs out of the trans and primary, and when I went to take the derby cover off one of the damn torx bolts stripped out. First tried hammering the next size up torx wrench into it, but that didn't work. Got the drill and easy outs, and ended up breaking the easy out off in the bolt.
Taped up the derby cover around the bolt and got the dremel out and cut a slot in the bolt, and channel locked a big *** screw driver. Turned right out.
Last time the cover was off was when the dealership replaced my comp.
Going out tomorrow and buying some stainless 1/4-20 allen head bolts. Sure as hell aint gonna use torx again.
Rant over...carry on.
I found your problem^^^^^^^^
Never let someone else work on your bike!
Last edited by ricktherocket; Mar 2, 2017 at 06:15 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
A couple tips here: remove the primary cover bolts before draining the fluid. Also:
Before attempting to remove the bolts, install the socket type torx bit into the bolt. rap it firmly with a hammer. I do this standing with my back to the bike. You can do this with an extension on the torx bit, but it is less effective.
If you want to convert to allen head bolts, Amazon and eBay have 10 bolt kits available.
Before attempting to remove the bolts, install the socket type torx bit into the bolt. rap it firmly with a hammer. I do this standing with my back to the bike. You can do this with an extension on the torx bit, but it is less effective.
If you want to convert to allen head bolts, Amazon and eBay have 10 bolt kits available.
Last edited by checkers; Mar 2, 2017 at 06:16 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 394
Likes: 29
From: Georgia
I learned to break loose the bolts BEFORE draining the bike myself the hard way. First time for everything. Ended up towing the bike because I drained the bike and THEN stripped the bolts. Factory either over-tightened or loctited the damn things. Dealership felt sorry I had the bike towed and did it for free. Shout out to Killer Creek for that :-)
Ben
Ben
Last edited by RoadKingCop; Mar 2, 2017 at 06:26 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 519
Likes: 83
From: NC
I had the same thing the past Sunday. One of the $#&@ derby cover screws stripped out after only four fluid changes. These are the softest screws I've ever seen. Yes I'm using a T27 and installing them with an inch pounds torque wrench. I ended up drilling off the head, removing the derby cover, and unscrewing the remainder with pliers.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,721
Likes: 372
From: Tonopah Az
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,599
From: Danbury CT
If you're using stainless bolts going into the aluminum primary cover, the bolts and holes fused together. This happens when you have two different metals, especially stainless and aluminum together. Always use anti seize on the derby cover bolts and primary cover bolts and you will never strip a torx head again.
Last edited by golfblues; Mar 2, 2017 at 07:25 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 217
From: Puyallup Wa.
Decided to change my trans and primary fluids today. Beautiful 80 degree day for a little 25 mile ride down to J&P at Destination Daytona, wont be so nice in about 9 days when the masses will arrive for Bike Week.
Took the drain plugs out of the trans and primary, and when I went to take the derby cover off one of the damn torx bolts stripped out. First tried hammering the next size up torx wrench into it, but that didn't work. Got the drill and easy outs, and ended up breaking the easy out off in the bolt.
Taped up the derby cover around the bolt and got the dremel out and cut a slot in the bolt, and channel locked a big *** screw driver. Turned right out.
Last time the cover was off was when the dealership replaced my comp.
Going out tomorrow and buying some stainless 1/4-20 allen head bolts. Sure as hell aint gonna use torx again.
Rant over...carry on.
Took the drain plugs out of the trans and primary, and when I went to take the derby cover off one of the damn torx bolts stripped out. First tried hammering the next size up torx wrench into it, but that didn't work. Got the drill and easy outs, and ended up breaking the easy out off in the bolt.
Taped up the derby cover around the bolt and got the dremel out and cut a slot in the bolt, and channel locked a big *** screw driver. Turned right out.
Last time the cover was off was when the dealership replaced my comp.
Going out tomorrow and buying some stainless 1/4-20 allen head bolts. Sure as hell aint gonna use torx again.
Rant over...carry on.
Just drill the head completely off. Remove derby cover bolt will come right out. Been there done that.