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Subject: Saved by a Screw Extractor kit from Sears Author: DavidC (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 12932 posts Posted on: 2004-06-05 02:22:01

I had a rounded-out 5mm hex bolt stuck in the rotor on my 735i. The bolt is made from really soft metal. It looked like the previous owner or his mechanic rounded it out and just left it there. Never having extracted a rounded off bolt before, I decided to document the recovery effort. Hopefully, this will save someone a headache.


The lifesaver -- a Craftsman Screw Extractor and Drill Bit Set, $18 at your local Sears store.


A large drill bit, just slightly smaller than the diameter of the shaft of the bolt we're removing, is used to drill a hole into the bolt.


The extractor tool is first screwed into the bolt to bite into the bolt, then a set of locking pliers is used to unscrew it from the wheel rotor.


The rounded, damaged bolt as it is being removed.


A view of the old bolt showing how the inner part of the head was drilled out.


The new bolt, $0.98 from the BMW dealer. I'm going to start replacing these bolts every time I change the rotors.

David Cecil
Lexington, KY
Titanium silver '01 750iL, 92k miles
Oxford green '97 740iL, 184k miles
Alpine white '92 750iL, 95k miles (for sale)
Charcoal gray '86 735i, 101k miles (for sale)

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