tools

[David12345]

Is there a name and/or size for the tool to remove the torque tube from the differential?
David

[GTJIM]

I think you mean the four cap screws that hold the tube on to the diff housing.
They have a head with 12 little 'points' inside them usually - though they do get replaced with ordinary in-hex Allen Head metric capscrews by frustrated Previous Owners.
The 12-point ones are also known as "Tri-square" (three squares = 12 points).
If you do much work on your Opel you will need a set of these special tools - PowerBuilt has a kit of them as does K-D Tools. 6;8;10 & 12mm sizes will cover all the sizes on a GT.

See: http://www.opelgt.com/forums/41791-post12.html

[ddoyle]

MAC tools also carries a full set, and they are very nice, around 45 bucks, i think.

Dan

[David12345]

As usual, thanks for the info .. but I am curious, why would you replace them with normal hex heads instead of a regular bolt?
Thanks again.
David

[namba209]

Originally Posted by David12345 As usual, thanks for the info .. but I am curious, why would you replace them with normal hex heads instead of a regular bolt? Thanks again. David

Probably because the dreaded PO tried to remove them using an 'Allen" wrench and screwed up the interior of the original bolt.

[GTJIM]

Originally Posted by David12345 As usual, thanks for the info .. but I am curious, why would you replace them with normal hex heads instead of a regular bolt? Thanks again. David

Allen Head ("In-Hex") Cap Screws are much stronger than 'regular' Metric bolts and ... from memory ... the torque tube bolts are countersunk into a wee round hole just the size of a Allen head capscrew head.

Allen head because both the replacement capscrews and the Allen Keys are MUCH easier to find!

[blancojp]

Nappa sells the tool in three different sizes, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm.
They are called " Serrated tool bits" and cost about $5.00 each. Some people (old school) call them tri-stars but the correct name is above.

Hope this helps.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by blancojp They are called " Serrated tool bits" and cost about $5.00 each. Some people (old school) call them tri-stars but the correct name is above.

"Triple Square", they have 12 points! "Serrated Bits"

Harold

[jeff denton]

The same tool will get the bolts off of the camshaft sprocket when you get into that project...
When the "compact carnage" was over and I had some fixing to do, I discovered that the torque tube bolt holes could be tapped to 3/8" and then I could use my favorite bolts there, you know, the good old 12 point shouldered capscrews. Worked like a charm.