So I finally tried to put in the 8 degree shims for my stock wing. But on both sides the T40 bolt is on very tight. I half-rounded one of them, and can tell if I put any force I will round the other. Strange since the DIY I read mentions the bolt shouldn't be tight.

Has anyone run into this? Any ideas how I can get these bolts off without further damage?

Thanks.

 

I wrote the DIY and don't recall anyone having trouble loosening the bolt. Here are a couple of suggestions.

1. Ensure the T40 Torx bit fits well in the bolt head, if it doesn't try borrowing or buying another brand of that tool that fits snug.

2. Try a 'thermal' approach. Cool the bolt with a can of freeze spray. Products such as this are available for computer (cool components while troubleshooting) and medical use (to remove growths on surface of skin). Take precautions to keep the freezing gas spray from reaching the paint on the body.

 

+1 on the high quality torx bit. Put some valve grinding compound on the bit and give it a couple of sharp taps to make sure it is fully seated in the screw head.

 

I don't have anything of value to add to this thread.. However, I can easily see how one might strip the bolts. The metal seemed pretty soft to me and they were at a weird angle.

 

Penetrating fluid can be very helpful on old bolts that haven't been loosened in a long time. Spray a few squirts around the bolt heads and let sit overnight.

 

Thanks all. I have tried penetrating oil, two sets of torx bits, tapping the bit, tighten-then-untighten. But no luck. I'll probably have the dealership take care of it when I go in for service.