What is it? Looks like a Torx bolt but it's not

[trefor]

Working on our TT, trying to remove the Air Flow Sensor as it's misbehaving. However, 2 bolts have got me baffled. They look to have a star-shaped recess like a Torx socket. However, there is also a lump in the centre of the recess meaning a Torx socket will not fit. Anyone have an idea what I need?

[gary_tholl]

That's a security Torx. You can occasionally find the bits to take them out, but I'd be willing to bet you'll never find them when you need them.

IIRC I tried to drill a small hole in the end of a regular torx screwdriver to work on these fasteners, but it was so hard that the drill bit wouldn't even touch it.

Sorry, that's not much help, I have one, but to post it from Canada may take awhile...

Good luck,
Gary

[deltaf]

To deal with a "security torx" fastner, you will need a small screwdriver to insert into the fastner and snapping off the "tit" in the middle.
You can then use a normal torx bit to undo it.
However make sure you only do this as a last resort.
Halfords will sell the size of security torx you require...usually a #20.
HTH.

[apache]

Get a small screwdriver and hammer to tap the fecker out

[trefor]

Thanks guys - this is a nice shiney Audi TT though, not a shed. I don't think the girlfriend would like me to set to it with a hammer ;-)

I'll take the car to Halfords and see which fits - thanks, I now know what to ask for.

[squirrelz]

Maplin electronics are doing a security bit set for a tenner at the moment.
www.maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?CartID=040301163547989&moduleno=37794&modulecode=

Or a smaller set for 8 quid.
www.maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?CartID=040301163547989&moduleno=11520

[greenv8s]

Why are they trying to 'secure' the air flow meter?

[Frik]

greenv8s said:

Why are they trying to 'secure' the air flow meter?

For the same reason as the A2's lack of a bonnet, so that you have to use a main dealer to get the bugger repaired!

[trefor]

Yeah, whatever happened to a good old 1/2 inch nut & bolt? I only needed 2 sizes to dismantyle my Mk1 Escort - 1/2 and 9/16.

[ginge]

Hi,

At the risk of advertising someone Machine Mart do a little kit with a selection of these in for £6.99. P/N 040211660.

ginge

[eliot]

if you have access to a lathe;
put the desired torx bit in the lathe and use a centre drill to put the hole in the end.

I remember years ago, seeing these for the first time on IBM ps2 montitors and the like - as others have said, knock the Tit off with a small screw driver.

e.

[anoakes]

trefor said:

Yeah, whatever happened to a good old 1/2 inch nut & bolt? I only needed 2 sizes to dismantyle my Mk1 Escort - 1/2 and 9/16.

So why didn't they just standardise on, say, 9/16 and make everybody's life easier?

At the other end of the scale, if I remember right, Alfa 164 V6 water pumps are secured using three bolts - all different sizes!

[Pigeon]

Take it out, replace it with an ordinary bolt... do this to as many other Audis as you can, and keep the fancy bolts...

Then take them across to Germany, find the f**ker on the design team who specified them and STUFF THE LOT UP HIS ARSE.

If more people did this the world would be a much easier place...