Are there sockets specifically made for most of the brake bolts on late models HD's? The bolts look like they have about 10 to 12 points to them or do you just need to use a 12 point metric socket? Tried to do all run through all of my "critical fasteners" today and this one stumped me...didn't want to round those little burgers off. The sockets didn't seem to fit real good.

Not sure why a standard 6 sided bolt wouldn't work for this application???

Thanks in advance.

Phil

 

While you can use a 12 point socket on a 6 point (sided) bolt, the reverse is not true.... you need to use the 12 point socket for those 12 point bolts.... 6 point is better for hex bolts as it allows for more contact area per face. 12 points can be used on square bolts too, however, I have yet to see a square head bolt on my bike.

 

Sears carries the sockets you are looking for. They are called external torx sockets and come in E sizes....E4, E5, etc.

 

Thanks Gents!

Are the E sizes what's needed for those bolts???

Phil

 

I know of at least one...the rear axle nut...15/16" six sided. Not sure why they all couldn't be. I guess that would make it to easy for a shade tree mechanic like myself.

Thanks for your help!

Phil

 

Unless they changed in 07, the caliper bolts are: Metric 12 point 10mm.

 

Not for the brake bolts. The brake bolts use a standard SAE 12 point 1/4" socket for the pins that hold the pads and a 12 point 10mm socket for the bolts that hold the caliper on.

 

Looking in the manual right now. Says caliper mounting bolts are 12pt. 10mm. Pad pins are 12pt. 1/4 in.

 

Thanks all!!!

After the differnet responses I checked the Softail service manual and it does say 12 point 10mm and .25".

I had never heard of the external torx. I looked at them on line and I knew that wasn't what was on the bike. Thats when I went and got the manual back out. I guess I should have looked at that closer to begin with.

Thanks again.

Phil

 

Caliper mounting bolts or pad pins?