How to remove E-torx bolt with damaged head

[Gareth Randall]

I was torquing the E-torx hub bolts on my 2005 Jeep Liberty when I lost concentration and the socket slipped off the bolt, damaging the head just enough to make the socket not fit any more. What are my options for getting that bolt out again at some point in the future?

It’s not fully torqued but it’s past snug, so it will need a bit of effort to get it moving again so the socket will need decent purchase on it.

I’ve read that it might be possible to make a 12-point socket grip enough, or that a bolt extractor would do it. I’ve never used an extractor, so would that seem to be the best option? The bolt is recessed into the back of the hub with only just enough room to get a socket onto it, so cutoff wheels are out.

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[college man]

Go to sears and get a bolt remover.

[Author]

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