How to loosen these bolts?

[VS02]

Ignore the idiotic typo!


Let me start by saying, I’m a useless turd at anything to do with DIY, and I have 0 experience in anything relevant to even using a spanner.

I am desperate so I have to expose myself as a complete idiot by starting this thread.

I am in the process of disassembling the gear shift assembly in my F30.





To remove the gear selector you need to undo the 4 bolts.


There are 4 Torx T.25 bolts, one of which came off easily. The other 3 just won’t budge. The bolts are not stripped ( that would be )



It doesn’t appear to be Loctite or anything like that.





I haven’t got any WD-40 and not sure what the consequence of that would be.

I haven’t got a power drill, nor a T.25 drill bit.


I haven’t got any kind of tools, except the relevant screwdriver, a £2 cheapo special.


It’s -2 degrees.




Now what do I need to do/ buy to get this out easily without wrecking the bolts with my useless dyspraxic hands?


My dad says he might be able to get it out but he’s broken literally everything I have ever asked him to mend so stripping these bolts could end up causing a world of pain… that’s the last resort

[Super Sonic]

If you're rubish at DIY and have no tools why are you dismantling your car? You probably need an air ratchet to undo them, and a compressor to power that. Probably better to take it to a garage before you break something.

[Krikkit]

Get yourself one of these for more leverage on the screws:

https://amzn.eu/d/dCfn1QC

Super Sonic said:

You probably need an air ratchet to undo them, and a compressor to power that. Probably better to take it to a garage before you break something.

An air impact on T25 trim screws

[swisstoni]

[Fusion777]

Krikkit said:

Get yourself one of these for more leverage on the screws:

https://amzn.eu/d/dCfn1QC

Or a decent set of Torx allen keys.

[0ddball]

Whatever it is that you are trying to do, I can almost guarantee you that even if you get the bolts undone, you won't be able to do it.

[Krikkit]

Fusion777 said:

Or a decent set of Torx allen keys.

True, but a small socket set like that is more versatile for the unequipped DIY'er to make a mess with

[Magicmushroom666]

You need something like that set posted, or some torx L keys (like allen keys) to get more leverage than a driver. WD40 isn't going to do much for you on those screws into plastic. And power tools will increase the risk of stripping things massively!

[VS02]

Super Sonic said:

If you're rubish at DIY and have no tools why are you dismantling your car? You probably need an air ratchet to undo them, and a compressor to power that. Probably better to take it to a garage before you break something.

Thought I’d give it a go. You have to start somewhere if you want to get good at something. This is a very basic job and I watched a YouTube video on how to do it. It’s just the bolts thats an issue, everything else was easy.

Once I remove these torx bolts the job is jobbed. I intend on tearing apart and further destroying my car piece by piece in the future

[VS02]

0ddball said:

Whatever it is that you are trying to do, I can almost guarantee you that even if you get the bolts undone, you won't be able to do it.

Bet on it ?


Once the bolts are undone the job is basically done. I need to remove that entire assembly which comes out in one piece, stick the new one in in it’s place, put the 4 torx screws back in, then click the trim back in, job jobbed

[E63eeeeee...]

If you're trying to do it with a normal screwdriver you'll be a lot better off with a 1/4in socket set, it will give you a lot more torque. Spend more than 2 quid on it though. You shouldn't need penetrant spray for small bolts onto plastic and I'd be very surprised if you can strip the screws.

[SteveR1979]

Super Sonic said:

If you're rubish at DIY and have no tools why are you dismantling your car? You probably need an air ratchet to undo them, and a compressor to power that. Probably better to take it to a garage before you break something.

Air Ratchet???

Don't be ridiculous

[E63eeeeee...]

And everyone is rubbish at DIY when they start doing it, you just have to try stuff.

[Bobupndown]

If removing a simple screw in a plastic fitting requires the assistance of a car forum you really shouldn't be taking your car apart.

[VS02]

Bobupndown said:

If removing a simple screw in a plastic fitting requires the assistance of a car forum you really shouldn't be taking your car apart.

I know, it’s my d’oh moment on PH for 2022…. Expect more next year

[E63eeeeee...]

Bobupndown said:

If removing a simple screw in a plastic fitting requires the assistance of a car forum you really shouldn't be taking your car apart.

They're not rebuilding the master cylinder. Everyone started somewhere and simple bolt-off bolt-on jobs are a good way of developing some confidence and experience. Where else should they go for advice?

[hyperblue]

Get yourself a 1/4" ratchet and a set of Torx sockets to go with it. Make sure Torx bit is inserted properly (oooh err), give it a bit of downward pressure to make sure it doesn't slip and round the head off whilst turning.

Or as the guy up there suggests, an air compressor

[Mr Tidy]

VS02 said:

I know, it’s my d’oh moment on PH for 2022…. Expect more next year

I had to remove a couple of torx headed screws in plastic on my BMW this year and they really didn't want to be undone. Luckily I had some torx bits that fitted in a socket set so I could get more leverage on them.

[Panamax]

Buy a better tool. Or leave it alone.

[JohnnyUK]

SteveR1979 said:

Super Sonic said:

If you're rubish at DIY and have no tools why are you dismantling your car? You probably need an air ratchet to undo them, and a compressor to power that. Probably better to take it to a garage before you break something.

Air Ratchet???

Don't be ridiculous