Stripped Torx, now what?
 

I attempted to change my transmission fluid and filter this afternoon, and of the 24 odd torx, I stripped 2. Anybody have any idea what I should do now?

I used a T27, would going to a slightly larger size (28, 29?) work? I have a T30, but it was too large.

It's really too bad they stripped, because I'd be done by now if they hadn't!

After you get some sort of bit to fit into it, you should try using an impact driver. NOT the power ones used on wheel bolts, but one you hit with a hammer, driving the bit into the screw, while simultaneously turning it a small amount (make sure you set it to undo, not tighten). Picture below. Mandatory tool for Japanese motorcycles with lots of Phillips head screws in the side cases. If another Torx bit fits, fine. If not, use a hacksaw to cut a slot in the head (yes, it's painful). If none of the above work, then you are faced with drilling it and using an Easy-out screw extractor, or something similar.

Impact driver! Duh, why didn't I think of that?

I was hoping to reuse the Torx, I guess not now.

Since I've used it so many times I vote for the drilling it and using an Easy-out screw extractor method. Just make sure you get the best extractor you can find.

Before you drill, some times an allen head will fit into a striped out torx head. And like JCL suggested a hand impact is ideal for this job.

Let us know how it turns out.

So I see that Bavarian Auto doesn't carry these torx bolts. Anybody have another good source?

Try ecstuning

I just ran into the same prob recently. Took a dremel tool, cut a slit across it and used a large flat-head screwdriver to turn it loose.

Dremel should work beautifully. I have used it in a similar scenario.

A screw out is ok but I found myself cursing more when that doesn't work. What I find works a hell of a lot better are bolt outs. I just did this yesterday when I stripped a t30. These bolt outs are usually tempered steel but I have cobalt ones that are tapered and fluted. Bolt came out without a problem. I think sears sells a good set in a pinch! Essentially the bolt out grabs the outside of the bolt and not the inside which is already weak.

Dremel it into a flat head screw and get those suckers out of there!

Thanks everyone. It just so happens that I have a Menard's, Home Depot, Lowe's, AND Sears Hardware all next to each other. I'm going to pick up a dremmel, screw out, AND bolt out, and a new impact driver.

Can never have enough tools, right?

"Honey, I had to get all this $hite. The torx was stripped, this is what the guys said I needed."

I am sure she will understand! If you here the sound of metal clicking, just run in a zig zag pattern!

Pelican Parts has the replacement studs. $3.00 per stud (there are 22). $10 for shipping.

Ouch!

Thanks to everyone, again. Really good answers. I'll let y'all know how it works out.

These screws are tighten lighly, I'd use a big vise-grip type plier. I did this method when I stripped even a tighter torx screw when replacing the CCV (the one in the back of intake manifold), w/o any problem.
GL.

why do you guys strip so many bolts lol? Be more careful and make sure you are using the right tool.

Its not that we want to strip them, lol. Sometimes these bolts are in tight places and you just can't get the torx bit to seat properly. With torx, the inset is so shallow, having a grain of sand within it can throw it off and "slip" there goes that torx. I know taking the throttle body assembly off, the bottom torx that is in the middle is tight since it is between those aluminum water tubes and water temp sensor sits directly infront of the torx. You cant get a small screw driver in there and forget a 3/8" wrench fitted with a 6mm socket and a torx. They only way I found to get that out is to use a 1/4" wrench with a shallow 6mm socket and then the torx. You could pull the intake up about an inch, but that wiring harness really doesn't have much play. What I did after one of mine stripped in a tight place was not even to put a torx in there but to just use a bolt out, so I have good tension on the whole bolt and yank that sucker out that way.
2001 X5 4.4i

If you haven't stripped a bolt that means you haven't worked enough on your car:rofl:

Why did I strip so many? Probably because of the cheap Chinese tools I use!

;)

I don't know. I was working under the car, without jacking it up, and it was a bit of a reach for the two that stripped. Maybe I didn't have the bit perfectly perpendicular to the head of the bolt.

It very well could have been carelessness or inexperience on my part. Whatever, what's done is done. I'm just glad I have a good message board with knowledgeable, experienced people to help me out.

Of course, I wouldn't even have attempted to change the tranny filter without this board!

If I am going to be removing a bolt I know will be on there good I always tighten it just a tad before I loosen it. It usually makes it much easier to remove.