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I'm currently in the middle of replacing the valve cover gaskets on my 2005 G35x sedan and unfortunately, the heads of the two bolts in the corner (which hold the cover, towards the firewall) on the passenger side bank have stripped. The one closest to the front is quite stripped whilst the one in the very corner is slightly stripped but still doable. I ripped off the valve cover to get myself more room as I have a new set to replace them with. I've tried vice grips, taping a 9mm/8mm onto the bolts with a hammer but to no luck. I'm about ready to drill the bolts out but due to their location and angle, I don't know if it's even possible. Keep in the mind the bolts are quite soft due to age and heat (I think?). I'm no mechanic so I really don't know what to do. The main problem is the location of the bolts as there is hardly any room. Any ideas/suggestions?
What usually gets those bolts is when RTV sealant is used for the valve cover gasket and then gets down on the threads of the bolt.
Are you using 6 point sockets or 12 point? If it's 12 point then throw them all away and ONLY use a 6 point socket on a 6 point bolt. That's far and away the number 1 reason for stripped bolts.
If you ever plan on working on an Audi then keep the 12 point sockets in a special box for those incredibly few times you have 12 point bolts.
Honestly I don't even know why socket kits have 12 point sockets, I've only ever seen them a handful of times in my life and it was always on an Audi...
Now, for the issue of removing those bolts, get a smaller pair of channel locks, not vice grips, just like a 13" long pair of channel locks, those bolts will come out.
You're spot on, I started with a 12-point (not realizing it) then as it started to strip, I switched to a 6-point but it was too late. I did the other side first and it all came off no problem with the 12-point so I just didn't notice until I got to the troubled bolts. Going to the store first thing in the AM, I will give an update tomorrow. Thanks a lot!
Update: Turns out I had a pair of channel locks hiding in my garage that I have no recollection of buying (lol). Weren't quite as small as I would have liked but it did the trick. I really appreciate the help! @cleric670
Why are channel locks the tool to use here? I would think the jaws on a vice grip would make basically the same contact with the bolt and not having to squeeze while trying to turn seems like it would make it easier to not have the tool slip. If I didn't hear the OP say it worked, I'd never believe it.
Vice grips could work, you just have more control with a pair of channel locks and a good pair (I prefer Knipex) will easily get a strong bite on the metal. If it was a bigger bolt that was going to need quite a bit of pressure applied then yes vice grips would be the correct tool. However these are tiny little M6 bolts, thus the channel locks. They also fit into tight spaces better than vice grips.
Why are channel locks the tool to use here? I would think the jaws on a vice grip would make basically the same contact with the bolt and not having to squeeze while trying to turn seems like it would make it easier to not have the tool slip. If I didn't hear the OP say it worked, I'd never believe it.
The main thing that I noticed is that the channel locks I found were much longer than the vice grips I own, which gave me better leverage (super helpful in a tight space). Having to squeeze was a little annoying (I'm really weak) but I was actually able to turn and not hit a cam lobe or coolant line like with the vice grips.
Honestly I don't even know why socket kits have 12 point sockets, I've only ever seen them a handful of times in my life and it was always on an Audi...
Oh, that's easy. It's for "convenience" so you don't have to try as hard to align the socket with the nut or bolt head. "Saves time! Saves effort! You only need to rotate it half as far to get it to engage the bolt!"
If you want a budget we'll made socket set that's 6 point look up Performance Tool. It's the brand the company I work for uses and they hold up to SEVERE daily abuse.
During my electrician apprenticeship one of my classroom instructors was quoted saying "firstly you're a mechanic, occasionally you work with electricity". He wasn't wrong, I spend most of my time drilling/tapping metal , grinding/cutting/welding, or bolting things together. I've beaten those PT socket sets as hard as anyone on the job site and they really hold up. That's why I have them I my personal tools back at my shop.
Heck most of the time I use them in one of the DeWalt 80ft/lbs impact drivers, those sockets aren't impact rated yet I've never seen one fail on any jobsite, that's over 300 wiremen thrashing on them with zero failures. Same goes for that brand gear wrench those I have seen a few failures but only when people were using them as a hammer.
