Removing Stuck Torx Bolt From Rotor On 2006 Silverado

[email protected] · October 8, 2011

I am trying to replace the speed sensor on my 2006 Silverado. To get to the sensor, I need to take the rotor off, but there is a #30 torx bolt that is really stuck. First, I applied penetrating oil and then tried to remove the bolt with a handheld torx wrench. This did not even budge the bolt, but bent the threads on the wrench. I then tried an electric impact wrench with a driver, which broke the driver off. I was able to get the driver out of the bolt, and then tried another driver with a large breaker bar. This also broke the driver off in the bolt. The bolt has not budged at all. After a lot of prying, I got the second broken driver out. I don't have a torch, but am considering buying one, but would like to avoid it if possible. Any suggestions on getting this bolt out? Also, if I ending up having to drill it, what is the best type of bit to use?

wavery · October 8, 2011

I am trying to replace the speed sensor on my 2006 Silverado. To get to the sensor, I need to take the rotor off, but there is a #30 torx bolt that is really stuck. First, I applied penetrating oil and then tried to remove the bolt with a handheld torx wrench. This did not even budge the bolt, but bent the threads on the wrench. I then tried an electric impact wrench with a driver, which broke the driver off. I was able to get the driver out of the bolt, and then tried another driver with a large breaker bar. This also broke the driver off in the bolt. The bolt has not budged at all. After a lot of prying, I got the second broken driver out. I don't have a torch, but am considering buying one, but would like to avoid it if possible. Any suggestions on getting this bolt out? Also, if I ending up having to drill it, what is the best type of bit to use?

Get yourself a better quality torx driver and stay on it with the impact.

You may have to add heat. Get yourself a "Map-gas" torch. Put heat on the rotor mounting bracket.

MikeNH · October 8, 2011

I always used the handheld impact drivers on those bolts- the tool is the type where you hold it and strike the top with a hammer. Worked good.

csheatz · October 8, 2011

I always used the handheld impact drivers on those bolts- the tool is the type where you hold it and strike the top with a hammer. Worked good.

+1 this tends to work very well.

[email protected] · October 8, 2011

I am trying to replace the speed sensor on my 2006 Silverado. To get to the sensor, I need to take the rotor off, but there is a #30 torx bolt that is really stuck. First, I applied penetrating oil and then tried to remove the bolt with a handheld torx wrench. This did not even budge the bolt, but bent the threads on the wrench. I then tried an electric impact wrench with a driver, which broke the driver off. I was able to get the driver out of the bolt, and then tried another driver with a large breaker bar. This also broke the driver off in the bolt. The bolt has not budged at all. After a lot of prying, I got the second broken driver out. I don't have a torch, but am considering buying one, but would like to avoid it if possible. Any suggestions on getting this bolt out? Also, if I ending up having to drill it, what is the best type of bit to use?

OK, I got it out. Here's what it took: I went to Napa Auto Parts and bought a high impact T30 torx driver for $5.00. The guy at the counter said it was guaranteed not to break, or they would replace it. I put this on my electric impact wrench and it lasted about two seconds before breaking off. I tried to fish the broken bit off to no avail. I then found a high power magnet, and the bit came right out. I drilled a hole in the bolt using bits I had in a Black & Decker bit set. I don't know what type of bits they were, but they were not very strong, as I ruined four before finally getting through the bolt. The hole I drilled through the bolt was smaller than the diameter of the bolt. I took a Philips head bit driver that was slightly bigger than the hole I drilled and hammered it into the hole in the bolt, and then used the electric impact wrench. This time, the bolt came right out. The bolt was only 3/4" long, but had 3/8" inch of rust on the head end, and about one thread of rust on the other end.

MikeNH · October 9, 2011

I always used the handheld impact drivers on those bolts- the tool is the type where you hold it and strike the top with a hammer. Worked good.

+1 this tends to work very well.

Never failed me on the likely hundreds of brake jobs I did at the dealership. Hyundai used anchor bolts too (phillips, which strips easier too) and the impact driver always worked.