Front Bumper Support

**Molotov** · 07-10-2008 11:28 AM

so i've been using a t-45 (great neck brand) star socket from autozone. I have gotten 3 of the 6 torx screws out. I have just bent/twisted my second t-45 socket and the screw won't budge.

Any suggestions? or just plain sneaky ways to get the SMIC out without moving the radiator support?

THANKS

**EmoScumBag** · 07-10-2008 11:43 AM

i did it. Youve just gotta work with it, twisting it at different angles to pull it up out of where the headlight sits. Does that answer your question?

**RED1.8T** · 07-10-2008 12:04 PM

use some PB Blaster....that stuff is the shit!!!

**absolutegtr** · 07-10-2008 12:21 PM

First off buy a quality tool. The screw should strip/break in half WAY before the tool ever breaks.

Secondly, you can get the SMIC without removing the radiator support. Just disconnect the headlight tray and work it out. Took me like 10 minutes.

**tdn** · 07-10-2008 01:18 PM

If you just bought it, try returning it. People talk down on autozone, but the one by me is cool. I befriend as many people there as I could, I get free shit every now and then, I use things all the time and return them for full price. They're pretty good about their return policy at the one I go to. Pick up some PB Blaster while you're there as suggested above.

**boy412** · 07-10-2008 02:29 PM

Shouldn't need to remove the radiator support! I actually unscrewed the hose fitting from the top of the charge air cooler, which made getting it out a LOT easier. There are four T-20 torx screws holding it on. Slightly a PITA to get at, but if you have a T20 bit and a 1/4 drive socket wrench you should be able to get in there. This was the only way I could figure out to get my second SMIC in.

**CO AVANT** · 07-10-2008 02:39 PM

Torx sockets FTMFW!

craftsman or snap on and never worry about them breaking again. If they do new ones for free. Be aware of snap on though, I paid $250 for a full set....ouch

**Molotov** · 07-10-2008 03:07 PM

yeah sorry, been installing my fmic... took it out through the headlight opening (which i half way did already, before deciding to bring the torx back and breaking another one).

Autozone was good about it, i got my money back after wrecking two of their tools.
BTW they were great neck tools, life-time warranty.

**doublezero30** · 07-10-2008 03:33 PM

i have the cheapo great neck autozone tools too. so i know theyre garbage, but i deal with them. ive gone through one set, and am on my second one. when the importent ones strip im just going to buy a more expensive set and call it a day. the SMIC is a bitch to get out anyway. probably one of the things that takes the longest putting on your FMIC. i dont even 100% remember how mine came out, and ive done the install twice lol. i think i may have pulled it through the headlight slot. just make sure everything is disconnected first.

**EmoScumBag** · 07-10-2008 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by CO AVANT

Torx sockets FTMFW!

craftsman or snap on and never worry about them breaking again. If they do new ones for free. Be aware of snap on though, I paid $250 for a full set....ouch

hellz yes. Same deal, but i get most tools 10-15% off and dont pay tax