[TheMidnightNarwhal]

This happened about a month ago but I figured I would look for solutions now for the future.

When I did my 6spd transmission change, I played with the drain bolt a bit to re tight it. For some reason when I went to re tight the internals completely stripped, I guess because alu is soft?

The proper hex key bit just spins in it freely.

What would be the best bet to remove this when time comes in another 90 000KM.

[fravel]

Just so we're clear, you used a hex key? It looks like the proper tool for that bolt is a Torx bit. (Could just be the picture though)

It looks like there might still be something that a proper bit could grab onto. I'd try that first. If that doesn't work, I'd try jb-welding the bit in to place and letting it set up, then remove the bolt.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by fravel

Just so we're clear, you used a hex key? The proper tool for that bolt is a Torx bit.

It looks like there might still be something that a proper bit could grab onto. I'd try that first. If that doesn't work, I'd try jb-welding the bit in to place and letting it set up, then remove the bolt.

Hmmm, I don't think it's torx. DIY guides say 8mm and it fit perfectly. And you can see that doesn't look like a torx at all https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/23117531356/ .

That JB Weld idea is actually a fantastic one! Altough I suppose it'l be hard to recover the bit after?

[mecheng77]

Clamp the shit out of a good quality pair of vice grips on it.

Or, buy a bolt out spiral flute kit, they work wonders. I have the Craftsman set; when they built good quality tools.

[Fritzer]

Because it's so large and accessible, and also a one-time use bolt, I would just do what fravel said and JB-Weld it to some old tool or scrap metal and twist it out lmao.

[PichaDis11]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

Clamp the shit out of a good quality pair of vice grips on it.

Or, buy a bolt out spiral flute kit, they work wonders. I have the Craftsman set; when they built good quality tools.

That last part...

[bluewater328]

Use an easy out...same type of plug as the GM auto tranny; mine stripped the same way. You don't even have to tap it, just slowly work the bit in with an adjustable wrench clamped to it (don't use power tools) and spin it out.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Thanks for the ideas! If I still have the car in ~ 85 000KM should be able to get it out.

[Efthreeoh]

ViceGrips

And stop tourqing bolts so hard. It just needs to seat.

[nsjames]

if the bolt is aluminum, just tap the next sized up torx bit into the hole with a hammer, it will come right out.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

ViceGrips

And stop tourqing bolts so hard. It just needs to seat.

Dude I really don't understand how it stripped! My torque wrench was set to it's proper spec, like 21 ft lbs I think, I think maybe because I was angled a bit.

When it happened I was even afraid it might leak because of how not tight it was/felt.

[OP3NAIR]

Thats definitely a torx bit. You can see clearly from the picture its a star, not a hex. It looks like you can still get the right torx to bite in it since it only looks like part of the bore stripped out. Its not unheard of for the fastener drive to change over time. I've gotten replacement hardware of the same p/n, and different manufacturer, time passes, etc... sometimes 6 points become 12, the drive diameter changes, torx becomes hex, etc...
Just because it came out with a hex key doesnt necessarily mean it goes back in with the same driver.

[ctuna]

If you don't have Torx Drivers and Sockets you better get
a set . Because almost everything on the car uses that type
of fastener.
And since a lot of the fastners are soft you need a couple of
torque wrenches to cover the whole range properly .
(unless you have one of the fancy expensive kind)
Don't confuse Newton/meters and Ft/lbs or inch/lbs either.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by ctuna

If you don't have Torx Drivers and Sockets you better get
a set . Because almost everything on the car uses that type
of fastener.

I do, I got every trox from 3 to 60.

I am pretty sure it was a hex before it got deformed, it's just the angle and after being deformed that it looks oddly like a perfect torx.

I'll definitely take a double look next time I do the change but I'm positive it was a hex... the hex filled in all the gaps perfectly.

I do have a 1/2 inch and a 3/8 torque wrenches. I made a sheet converting the Newton meters to Ft lbs of every drain bolts. Maybe I mixed something up when I did it.

[ctuna]

It looks like there is still some socket left at the bottom.
Vice Grips would be my first attempt.
I have done things like cutting a slot in the head with
dremel then using a regular bladed screw driver.
You could end up with no head to grip.
Don't know if that would be good idea with this or not.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by ctuna

It looks like there is still some socket left at the bottom.
Vice Grips would be my first attempt.
I have done things like cutting a slot in the head with
dremel then using a regular bladed screw driver.
You could end up with no head to grip.
Don't know if that would be good idea with this or not.

Yeah I'll probably end up using vice grip around the bolt. If that doesn't work hammer in a torx, and jb weld or easy out last resort.

[Pladi]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Dude I really don't understand how it stripped! My torque wrench was set to it's proper spec, like 21 ft lbs I think, I think maybe because I was angled a bit.

When it happened I was even afraid it might leak because of how not tight it was/felt.

your blaming the bolt love it

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by Pladi

your blaming the bolt love it

Haha but no, I explained what I think happened. When I was re-tightning it, think my torque wrench was at an angle, so I think it put more pressure on one side and etched into and that's why you all see it as a torx bolt.

Still my fault.

[Pladi]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Haha but no, I explained what I think happened. When I was re-tightning it, think my torque wrench was at an angle, so I think it put more pressure on one side and etched into and that's why you all see it as a torx bolt.

Still my fault.

all good you got some great suggestions

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by Pladi

all good you got some great suggestions

Yeah fore sure. But I'm debating tho doing it now, or wait. Since I already changed fluid so next change is in about 85 000KM

Since it's alu it won't get seized or rust so the resistance even with vise grips then should be achievable?

[Pladi]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Yeah fore sure. But I'm debating tho doing it now, or wait. Since I already changed fluid so next change is in about 85 000KM

Since it's alu it won't get seized or rust so the resistance even with vise grips then should be achievable?

Should not be a problem leaving it until later but personally my anxiety looking at that i would make it right but thats just me. (I have issues lol)

Now it cold though and unless you have a heated garage maybe leave it until better weather.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by Pladi

Should not be a problem leaving it until later but personally my anxiety looking at that i would make it right but thats just me. (I have issues lol)

Now it cold though and unless you have a heated garage maybe leave it until better weather.

Yeah me to. It's just the fact fluid will gush out since it's the bottom bolt... don't want to refill it.

Don't have a heated garage... my front brakes are due and brake flush to... hopefully not to bad, I'll do it this week-end. Also want to bleed clutch.

Hey, at least I have a Milwaukee heated jacket!