Michael Benno

I am pretty sure my one of my newly acquired wheels is making noise. I believe the face plate is not fully secured to the drum. I could use some advice in 1. techniques in removing the rim screws with mangled torx sockets and 2. sourcing some replacement screws.

The wheels are Gemballa made by Speedline. I purchased them used off Craigslist and were round and true when I installed new tires on them. So I am kind of committed to fixing this problem. Here is a picture.


Through process of elimination (swapping wheel, checking lug torque) I was able to narrow the creaking down to this wheel. Furthermore, at least one of the screws was loose. The rest had mangled heads and I was not able to tighten them or loosen them using my torx driver.

So I need help in removing the rest. I am wondering if there is some sort of "easy out" that is used in socket caps. The screws are Titanium so that should make everything harder.

Secondly, I could use some help in sourcing replacement screws (yes I know they are bolts but all the wheels suppliers call them screws). Here is a closeup of the screw


The specs are
Head: Torx socket
Head diameter 14.1mm
Bolt shaft length: 25mm
Thread length: 15mm
Material: titanium

I tried a couple online places that have been close but not quite right
http://www.titanium-touch.de/onlines...roducts_id=208

Tips and links are