LaserRedB5S4

I've read the front caliper carier bolt is an undisclosed torx bit size, but I checked and my brakes require a hex key. I read in the tech articles that it was a 8mm for the A4s which I thought had the same system but that's too big. I'm thinking it's a 7mm and was about to head to the store and thought I would make sure. The car is a '97 A6 Avant Quattro. Anybody have an answer.

Jim02351

7mm hex is correct

ImQuattro®

7mm hex

LaserRedB5S4

evidently the previous owner or whoever the previous owner'smechanic was was a little overzelous with his hex key and it was already stripped when I went to remove it. This now means I get to pay someone to do a simple task seeing as I don't have the tools to do it myself. So the Avant will be resting for a while until I get some money together to fix it.

Some people just shouldn't be aloud to work on cars, I knew something was wrong as soon as I tried to remove the lugs which practicaly required jumping on the lug wrench. Air tools aren't for everything.

Which brings me to my question, anyone know a good mechanic in the Beaverton, Oregon area? I've only lived here since Dec. 28th.

austinado16

Been a while since I did ours, so I don't remember if they stick out or not. If they do, go buy some Vise-Grip brand Vise-Grips......don't get the Craftsman or other brand knock-offs.

Get a nice big pair and crunch down onto the head of the allen bolt so hard that you are barely able to lock the grips. Bam....off it comes with just one twist.

LaserRedB5S4

I'll have to look at it again and try and remove the plastic sleeve to see if that works

The_Hamster

Vice grips are a good option. If that fails try hammering a torx bit in that is too big to fit in without hammering. They try to turn it out with the torx. For 6mm hex bolts the 8mm XZN tool works perfect for this. I think 7mm will be too big but you can try I suppose.

If this fails you can try...

-drilling the head off and maybe you can move the caliper in a way to get it off, might not be possible.
-drilling the head larger (slightly!!) and hammering in a 10mm XZN (xzn is the proper name for the 12pt tool used on the inner driveaxles etc)
-cut two sides flat and use wrench on it
-if all else fails remove the entire assembly and replace, but some other method WILL work before you are forced to do this.

austinado16

That hammers in a nice notch. Then angle the bit and "unthread" the allen bolt.

Definately a tool of infinate destruction, but with finesse and good trigger control, it works fantastic and you don't wreck anything.

LaserRedB5S4

apartment living doesn't lend itself well to being able to have air tools

austinado16

I hear you. (pun intended) The vise grip trick will work as will a pipe wrench if you have/borrow 1