I am right in the middle of trying to replace the hatch struts on my 85 300tdt. I am having trouble trying to get the back bolt out. It is a 12 sided fastener (torx?) and I am starting to strip it. I have a bit that says it is a "t40" I think it may be imperial and doesn't fit well and I need metric? Any help appreciated.

Peter

If it's 12-sides, you need a Triple-Square size; not a Torx.

Pep Boys carries these in a set made by Lisle Corp.

Check -> http://www.lislecorp.com

Look under special tools once you get to Lisle's home page.

Should be Lisle part #60750

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Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

OK, Thanks Mike

I will try my local parts store, I have car half apart

Great help

Peter

It's very tight, too. I used the Lisle tool to remove the bolts on the rear hatch of my (former) 83 300tdt and bent the tool. Be sure to insert the tool all the way, hammer on the end of the tool a bit while it is installed in the bolt, attach your ratchet (and socket) and then snap the wrench hard to pop it loose. Mark

Be very careful holding the end so as not to strip the triplepoint.

I've used valvegrinding paste on loose shcs's to make a better fit. The grit seems to help.


Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E

Michael, I do the same, but have gotten some strange looks when I've tried to "teach" this method!

Never heard of/used this technique. Sounds dangerous.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

Just thought I would follow-up. For those attempting this job, you need a Triple-Square bit, 8MM. It is very hard to get the bit in the fastener, I had to hammer it in. Getting the pins out at the other end is a bit of a pain, I used an old chisel and hammer. It would be better if you only do one side at a time, that way you at least have one worn strut helping lift the hatch. Also might help if you have a willing helper available (wife was not happy!)

Peter

Frequently if one just gradually increases the torque applied to a fastener the head of the fastener will get damaged (esp. true with internal heads like allen, triple square and torx). IMO impact wrenches work so well because they apply high torque very quickly and also "hammer" on the fastener at the same time. That's also why I said to hammer on the fastener first---it also ensures that the wrench is fully seated on the fastener. Mark

Hammering definately can help!

Use one with enough mass. Makes that fill plug on the diff so easy. Eliminates 99% of snapped water pump bolts.


Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E

You guys sure its a triple square 8mm?
I had the right tool but now lost it,isnt it same size as a t40 or 8mm.
Someone please clarify,im just about to order a 8mm triple square.