So I'm replacing the tailgate hinges on my 97 TJ cause the upper one had a split down the center of the barrel. The top hinge came off no problem. The bottom hinge on the other hand is being a pain in my @ss, I've twisted out 3 torx sockets so far and this last one is stuck in there pretty good, I've even tried adding heat. But not too much. Has anyone had luck drilling them out and using a extractor? Or have any other ideas
Broke 3 torx bits already
- Thread starter Johnnyrtheplumber
- Start date
I have used this stuff a couple of times with good results. CRC Freeze-Off. I have a fear of burning the paint And I have ignited a few parts when I get pissed off. Sounds like you visited that place yourself already.
If you pull the tail light can you spray some penetrating oil on the bolt from the back and let it soak.
Someone I trust suggested rattling them a bit with an impact gun. That worked for some. He also suggested hammering the TORX bit solidly into the face of the bolt to lock it in before rattling it with an impact hammer.
Just installed my morryde reinforcement and hinge kit a few weeks ago. I used pb blaster, heat and a hand impact driver. Still only half came out after hours and hours of trying. I ended up drilling the heads of the bolt off after all that. Once the head pops you can remove the tailgate and they spin right out with channel locks. The backing plate fell down but you can reach you hand back up underneath to hold it when you bolt them back in.
+1 for a quality Torx bit and an impact driver you hit with a hammer. Went through this in a similar fashion disassembling old VW’s that used a giant Phillips faster in the door hinge. Couple solid whacks got 9/10 right out. Same on old motorcycle engine cases. No heat needed most of the time. Did use penetrant though.
Rubicon88
TJ Addict
There is no loctite. Mainly corrosion on the taper of the flat head bolts due to dissimilar metals.
If heat is unsuccessful or concerning, or you get tired of breaking bits, drill off the entire head with a 1/2”-ish drill bit as mentioned above. The remaining threaded part will probably screw right out.
Rubicon88
TJ Addict
I will also teach you a trick when all else fails...
Take a punch...
A pointed one...
Make a good dot by hitting punch straight on at 10:00
Then angle same punch up and to the right so when you hit it again you make the bolt turn left.
Good luck
Take a punch...
A pointed one...
Make a good dot by hitting punch straight on at 10:00
Then angle same punch up and to the right so when you hit it again you make the bolt turn left.
Good luck
For delicate areas that need heat like a painted area or small bolts with loctite I have good success using a soldier iron to give localized heat just to the bolt. Just put the tip of the iron right in the torx head and let it heat up the bolt and you won’t harm the surrounding paint.
Yup, that is called drifting a bolt loose. It does work. Old timers did it a lot.
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