I tried using 5mm hex as the closest tool that would fit.

Torx T-30 bit falls slightly behind in getting a grip, T-35 is rarely available in market, T-40 is too big. Which tool goes into unscrewing the 4 long bolts off of a TB?

Help...!

 

That is not a Torx bolt! It is a 5mm allen. Check the end of your allen wrench/tool- they wear out... That might be the issue.

 

ding ding
allen wrench

i took mine out the other day, the bolts were in TIGHT use a bar for extension and leverage if necessary to brake loose

 

Damn... I think I wore out one of the screws' threads

Is there a way I can get it out and replace the screw?

 

Hopefully you have enough room for a vice grip.

 

Why would you think it was a torx? It's not like you can't see the bolts.

 

Drill it, and use an easy out

 

Yes. Actually... I never did think it was a torx, especially after following the DYI, until I took it to a mechanic. That guy was so sure it was a torx that I couldn't help but give in to his belief. (since I failed to find any docs/specs regarding this, and also given that he knows much more than I do in this trade)

I also confronted him with the fact that the DYI mentions allen 5mm. But he simply wouldn't agree.

I am no grease-monkey and have no experience in heavy machinery at all. The most complicated project I have ever done is to replace the Headlamps on my G by taking off the front bumper etc.. which took a good half a day. (Man it was hell of a task to slide my hands in and get those damn tight ballast connectors off the lamp!)

Also, I feel stupid because I have had this threading problem for a while. I was only able to get loose one of the 3 visible TB screws ever in my life. The other two were so tight that I used extensions and multiple tools to get the screw out, but no amount of sweat would loosen them up.

And every time I had to take the TB out, I had my mechanic do it. So its not like its not removable, but I never got a straight answer as to how he manges to do it. So there you go... that makes me feel stupid since I pay him 20-50$ every time he removes the TB for him. And now I feel its time to stop! especially because I dont see this as an issue among members here when they try to swap their G's TBs in and out. I am also apprehensive on buying a new TB as I am sure that I'll have to shell out additional $$ simply to have it swapped through this mechanic. So I thought the easiest way out is to have that bolt removed and replace it with the one that is easy to unscrew/screw myself. But the mystery still is... how the hell does he get that damn screw out??

 

If the heads are too stripped, you might have to remove the upper manifold with the TB, disconnect the TB connector lift the whole upper manifold off. Might be the only way to gain good accesss to the TB bolts. Fortunately, this is an easy procedure.

Go to motordyne's site and review the install instructions. Should give you a good idea on what to do to remove the intake manifold

 

+1...

 

I bought my g35 used....
lots of stripped bolts as I go on do to my own work.

I'm working on replacing my valve cover gasket (it's bleeding oil :/)
Removed the upper plenum to get to the throttle body and found two stripped bolts. Not enough space for vise grips. Tried a rubber band and a 5mm hex, 6 is too big, but no luck. Tried a bolt extractor, too :/ no luck.

I guess I'm going to drill it out. Awesome sauce :/

 

Throttle body is bolted to the upper plenum.. But either way, those TB bolts are tough to get to, but I've had good luck getting stuck bolts by using a file to make a slot in the side of the bolt, then using a flathead and a hammer to loosen it, if that makes any sense. It's a very easy procedure with allen head bolts, a bit tougher with socket caps.

 

An E-Z-OUT will probably work.

 

this thread is funny. reading the early posts lots of dumb going on.

 

Finally got them out...with a Dremmel, a flat head screwdriver, and maximum effort.
Grinded a slit into the bolts.

Thanks,
Omar