Torx thread ripped off from gearbox oil screw

Tsiklonaut

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Torx thread ripped off from gearbox oil screw, the one you use for let out the gearbox oil.

It was tightened so tense that releasing it i just ripped the thread off from torx head. Dunno, maybe the previous owner of my bike was some kind of Rambo to tighten it, there even shouldn't be torx i guess, it should originally be hex bolt, right? But i'm in problem now - how the hell can i release the bolt if i can't rotate it, and it's situated in a deep HOLE!!??

I can't drill it off, coz then metal shit goes into gearbox then. I can't weld another bolt to it coz it's in deep hole.

Here's a pic too (some of kicking markings (the horizontal lines) there too i tryed to let it a bit loose to rotate it with some traction to ripped off torx threads, but no help):

DSCN8470.JPG


Any ideas, any special tools available for that kind of job?
 
Try using an impact driver with either the next size up torx key,allen key or an cross head bit.
I have had a lot of success with removing allen screws whose heads have rounded by using a torx key that is slightly too big and forcing it in with a hammer. You will need to use an extension bar from a socket set with the impact driver to reach down the hole.
 
Twatting things

Before you go any further,make sure you have a new one to put back in when you have got that one out.

If you get the engine good and hot, and then use a punch on the visible end of the plug,you can compress the aluminium/copper washe under the head of plug. When you have done that,get the next size up torx drive, put it on the end of an extension,and hammer it into the knackered plug,and unscrew it like you normally would.I've done 2 or 3 like that,and it always works for me.

Good luck
 
You can buy reverse threaded bolt extractors - basically you drill a small hole into your stuck bolt and then screw one of these extractors in, anti clockwise, until it bites into the bolt and then allows you to unscrew the bolt.

But I suspect the other suggested ideas would work just as well. Application of heat is always good for stuck bolts - I would think it would be safe to use a blowtorch on the gearbox casing.
 
Mouse said:
You can buy reverse threaded bolt extractors - basically you drill a small hole into your stuck bolt and then screw one of these extractors in, anti clockwise, until it bites into the bolt and then allows you to unscrew the bolt.

But I suspect the other suggested ideas would work just as well. Application of heat is always good for stuck bolts - I would think it would be safe to use a blowtorch on the gearbox casing.

I've used Mouse's suggestion on similair studs before and it worked well.
If you get a new stud first of all you can see the depth of the metal you have to play with before you drill the hole. By ensuring the hole doesn't go all the way through the stud, you will avoid getting swarf in the gearbox.

Shame you aren't nearer.. I've a set of extractors you could borrow.:D
 
Not sure of the area surrounding the bolt, but have used a gator Grip thing with some success in undoing low torque bolts before. I can post my one to you to rty if you want. Post it back afterwards? http://gator-grip.com/

I'm guessing you cant get a pipe wrench on it?

You could try knocking the next size up torx into it, or a flat head screwdriver bit?

If all else fails, find a allen key that is a close fit and get a welder to mig/tig it on. One quick spark will be enough to undo it. but, thats the end of your allen key and the bolt, so make sure you have a replacment first!

Best,

Dave.
 
Be very wary of using Easy-Outs, they're very brittle & prone to snapping. They're a bastard to drill out once snapped as they're very hard.

Whatever you do, run/ride the bike for a while. This will warm the gearbox casing up allowing the aluminium case to expand slightly around the bolt, more likely to come free a bit easier.

Is this an 1100? If so, there was a similar thread on the new look pipe & slippers forum when it first started. If I can find it I'll post a link as that one was resolved "peacefully" :cool:

Here it is:

http://www.bmwmcc.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=349
 
Surprised you mention Torx as this thing is a plain ole hex socket afaik. I would not drill it, but would work on driving an oversize allen bit or torx bit into it. If needed, you can grind down the next size allen bit to a taper to get it to start into the hole.
 
Thanks for the replys guys!

Just got this bastard out by leting it liquify with WD-40 a bit time, engine hot and then kicking the bigger torx into it ! ->

DSCN8474.JPG


Now, the next question is, as Vern stated before, where i'll get the similar bolt? It has magnetic end to suck and collect the metallic pieces from gearbox, if i replace it with the ordinary one then i guess it's not so good idea? Does BMW has them available, or some special part-shops?

Or alternatively, i can use this one again with torx kicked inside, well, dunno what guarantee there is if it next time works, but sure the releasing/tightening method is more luxorious this way :P

Cheers, Margus :beerjug::beerjug: :beer::beerjug::beerjug: :ukgser
 
Ace,Blatent violence works yet again:D The updated ones have a normal Hex head insted of the allen cap on that one.

If you can't get one over there,give me a bell and I'll get one posted to you.

I should think you'll get away using that one again in the mean time

Just pm or e-mail me your address

[email protected]

Have fun

Vern

ps,never force anything,use a bigger hammer:D
 
Tsiklonaut,

I'm suprised you have a torx head on the 1100 drain plug. I've got a couple of spares from my 1100 days and they are both standard hex heads (with magnets), you're welcome to one if you want it just send me a PM with you're address and I'll get it in the post.

:beerjug:
 
Yes the ones on the R1100S are a 14mm allen screw rather than a torx. I would have thought that they were the same.
 
Madman,

The 1100S gearbox is nothing like the early GS gearbox. On the early bikes the drain plug sat at the bottom of a tunnel in the side of the gearbox making it a pain in the arse to get at if anything went wrong.
 


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