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Broke a torx screwdriver in a recessed hex bolts in a GT LTS

1016 Views 12 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  Bokchoicowboy, 
C
So I was tinkering with the rear suspension, I'm going to fit a monster 8.5x2.5 Fox RP shock in it, and when tightening it back up, I learned the meaning of "the right tool for the right job"
I used a torx driver instead of a hex key, and it snapped inside. At this point, I don't know how to handle it. I've tried all unobtrusive methods that I know of. Melted hot glue, magnet, banging on the opposite side with a center punch and hammer.. nothing freed it. Problem is it's twisted, and that's holding it in.

I'm not sure if I post this in the GT forum because this is a GT bike.. but, I figured i'd ask the pros for advice.

Picture attached.

I'm thinking I may have to drill it out, tap it with a left hand thread, screw that in, and screw the messed up bolt out. Then my only problem is finding a replacement.

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Bikin' Bric
Take a very small center punch and start hammering it into the broken bit. Those bits are hardened so it should shatter apart and the pieces will fall out. It will take some force but should be no problem. Let us know how it goes.
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J
Why did you use a Torx on a hex?

Anyhow, a drill might work, but depending on tool quality, you might need a hardened bit. Some Torx's have holes in the middle for taperproof bolts, so that might serve as a guide.
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johntheroadie
Just out of curiosity, but how'd you manage to fit a shock that big into an LTS? I was thinking about buying a fox float and seeing if I could shove it into my LTS but didn't want to cough up the dough for it. I'm interested in seeing what you're results are. Good luck on the bolt extraction!
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G
If you can get a hole drilled, they do make these tools called easyouts that may be able to help you. If you guys wanna get some cheap shocks. Here's a pretty darn good link. This is a big secret of mine, but you guys are GT dudes so I'm gonna cough it up. They have some killer clearance sales on components if you catch them at the right time. Maybe you guys can find a good deal in there. I got a manitou swinger for $95 when stores were selling them for $250+. You just have to get lucky and find the deal. It looks like the shocks are bike specific but usually all you have to do is find the bushings that fit your bike instead of the ones on there.

http://www.santacruzbicycles.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=25_72
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J
gt jorgito said:
If you can get a hole drilled, they do make these tools called easyouts that may be able to help you. If you guys wanna get some cheap shocks. Here's a pretty darn good link. This is a big secret of mine, but you guys are GT dudes so I'm gonna cough it up. They have some killer clearance sales on components if you catch them at the right time. Maybe you guys can find a good deal in there. I got a manitou swinger for $95 when stores were selling them for $250+. You just have to get lucky and find the deal. It looks like the shocks are bike specific but usually all you have to do is find the bushings that fit your bike instead of the ones on there.

http://www.santacruzbicycles.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=25_72
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Unfortunately, your advice is invalid. The LTS uses a very specific trunion mount shock and others are not fittable in the eyelet sizes left for it due to the protrusion of the shock past the eyelets.
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gm1230126
Magnet!!!
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G
I know the LTS has a trunion style mount. The website was mostly for inquiry on cheap clearance parts and not only directed to LTS owners but to all GT owners who may want a cheap deal on components. I'm assuming if you are a GT owner and fan like me, you read all the posts in the forum so I just thought the website post can help someone out there.
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C
I finally removed it by drilling out the other side, the nut type thing holding it in. Thus, rendering the stock suspension system useless.

Good thing I had plans for upgrades, eh?

and, gt jorgito, do you know anywhere that sells good 6.5x1.5 suspension for decently cheap? Turns out that such monstrous suspension that I originally imagined would be pretty impossible without a LOT of changes, so the site you linked to had stuff too big. really good deal though, I'm amazed.
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G
The deals change from time to time. You may find a 6.5x1.5 but it may take some time. Other than ebay, I don't know where you can find one. Just keep looking in the santacruz link and you might get lucky. I'm glad you got that bit out of there. Hope you get what you need.
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Bikin' Bric
chainreactioncycles.com has a good selection of shocks in the 6.5-1.5 configuration, good prices too.
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Tkul
I haven`t read all the post, but to remove such broken bolt, you`ll have to punch (tiny hole to center drill), and drill out the bolt.
Drill diameter equal to the bolt.

this is the best way
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Bokchoicowboy
cvxdes, what part is that where you had to drill out the screw? Is that on the shockmount on the swinglink? You can get replacement links. Also, check Risse Racing for air-shock upgrades for the LTS.
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