Don't like torx bolts on caliper brakets-02 Cougar

[ET16]

I had a bad time today with my rear caliper bracket bolts on my 02 Cougar. Shop manual says to torque them to 89 ft. lbs.

I broke three t50 sockets and started to round the bolts trying to get there (got one to 80 ft. lbs, the other maybe 70 ft. lbs.).

I think I should get new bolts, but they appear to be discontinued (Ford W702016-S309). Not sure what my options are.

 

[barkingspider]

Take one of the torx bolts to an auto part store and get new ones w the same threads but w a hex head. U can also try a hardware store. I do this all the time

 

[eljefino]

Beware an external hex head can interfere with something else in the knuckle.

They love torx on the assembly line though.

How'd you get them apart?

 

[Doc8404]

I had one strip on my tailgate. V groove channel locks was the only thing that worked.

 

[ET16]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Beware an external hex head can interfere with something else in the knuckle.

They love torx on the assembly line though.

How'd you get them apart?


They came off fine. I don't think that they had 89 ft lbs on them originally.

 

[sdowney717]

89 foot lbs, that seems way too much.
On my Roadmaster, I do not torque them, I tighten them and they have never come loose.
40 to 50 foot lbs I think is what I put them at.

 

[Trav]

12 point grade 12.9 bolts would be a good option if clearance is an issue.

 

[Kira]

I've seen some 12 point stuff said to be for Volkswagens...is that what you mean? Sorry I don't have the exact words. Kira

 

[CT8]

Allen heads even suckier.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: Kira
I've seen some 12 point stuff said to be for Volkswagens...is that what you mean? Sorry I don't have the exact words. Kira




http://www.metric-threaded.com/browse.aspx?id=856

 

[artificialist]

I find that except for brands like Snap On or Matco, it is very easy to crack or round off a Torx bit. Lisle makes them in the USA, yet I still had problems with them.

 

[Rand]

Seems high.
on subaru its around 60lb/ft

 

[RooflessVW]

ALL of my torx/xzn/etc drivers are Snap-on. They're the only ones that have been worth buying so far. My kit came with extra bits, they are replaceable but I haven't needed to yet.

As said above, that torque value does seem high for the fastener.

 

[Merkava_4]

Give me the measurements and I can find the bolt. Give me the diameter, thread pitch, and length. Tell me if the head needs to go into a recess.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
ALL of my torx/xzn/etc drivers are Snap-on. They're the only ones that have been worth buying so far. My kit came with extra bits, they are replaceable but I haven't needed to yet.

As said above, that torque value does seem high for the fastener.


I don't know how the new Snap-On are but the old ones I had used a roll pin to hold the bit to the socket, they may have fit well but they proved unreliable. I tossed them after a few pin replacements.
I use Hazet and Stahlwille, the Hazet are nice inside hex but the Stahlwille are the best Torx and triple square I have ever used bar non for less money.

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: Trav
I don't know how the new Snap-On are but the old ones I had used a roll pin to hold the bit to the socket, they may have fit well but they proved unreliable. I tossed them after a few pin replacements.


Mine are in there solid. The main reason I bought them is because I wanted a Torx socket bit that doesn't wiggle. Both Craftsman and Proto wiggle. Can't stand it.

 

[RooflessVW]

I'm not home (as always) but I'll snap a few shots of mine the next time I am.

Mine are held in with a set screw.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: Trav
Originally Posted By: Kira
I've seen some 12 point stuff said to be for Volkswagens...is that what you mean? Sorry I don't have the exact words. Kira




http://www.metric-threaded.com/browse.aspx?id=856


I scratch my head and wonder why, every time I come across these fancy fasteners. Is it some engineer that wanted to make a statement, or is looking to cash in on specialty tool sales, or just trying to make someone else's life a bit more difficult one day. Why wouldn't a traditional hexagon bolt head work?

 

[RooflessVW]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Originally Posted By: Trav
Originally Posted By: Kira
I've seen some 12 point stuff said to be for Volkswagens...is that what you mean? Sorry I don't have the exact words. Kira




http://www.metric-threaded.com/browse.aspx?id=856


I scratch my head and wonder why, every time I come across these fancy fasteners. Is it some engineer that wanted to make a statement, or is looking to cash in on specialty tool sales, or just trying to make someone else's life a bit more difficult one day. Why wouldn't a traditional hexagon bolt head work?


The fastener pictured is a traditional 12pt, or double hex (120° corners). It allows for thinner sockets (barely), finer indexing for tools, and also allows for more applied torque.

VW uses XZN, which is also called triple square (90° corners). It's a different solution for the same problem.

 

[ET16]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
I find that except for brands like Snap On or Matco, it is very easy to crack or round off a Torx bit. Lisle makes them in the USA, yet I still had problems with them.


I broke three Lisles!