Peter G Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 Chaps, can someone advise of the allen head socket size required for this cap head bolt, I've tried a 5.5mm loose allen key in there, a good fit but not perfect, but wonder whether it's an imperial size as a 5.5mm seems to not be readily available?Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 I've just checked on my 2008 car and the caphead bolt takes a 6mm key. A 5.5mm key is a very loose fit. Maybe this varies with chassis type and age?JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 5/16 hex from memory. You definately want the right size for this, as buggering it by rounding the hex on a corroded ali sleeve means all manner of grief, possibly including drilling out the sleeve and ruining the wishbone. Id definately use a proper socket, not an allen key, gently tapped into the seating to ensure a good firm placement before turning, especially if it been in a few years. Dont forget the copper grease on reassembly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 Just rechecked to be sure. Mine's definitely 6mm -- I use an HW6 socket like this. JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Paul Richards Posted March 30, 2015 Area Representative Share Posted March 30, 2015 Beware. There are 2 different sizes used on imperial cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Howard Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 Peter,I always use a 7/32 hex socket attachment which is a good fit. This equates to 5.55625 mm. You are welcome to borrow it.Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter G Posted March 30, 2015 Author Share Posted March 30, 2015 Thanks chaps, mines a 2000 c ar so an old imperial one, Graham I'll give you a call, but it won't now be btill after the weekend.Copious quantities of Plusgas have been squired all over these little blighters,so fingers crossed they come out nice and easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 Handy little table here for imperial capheads and matching allen keys. It gives a 7/32" key for a 5/16" caphead.JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 No, Grahams right, its 7/32". Told you not to rely on my memory Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECR Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 I'd echo comments above. Definitely get a proper socket key and not an "L" key or cheap 2 part socket key. You need all the rigidity you can get if the joint is in anyway stiff. It'll pay in the long run ....7/32" for me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6speedmanual Posted April 2, 2015 Share Posted April 2, 2015 PG, you can borrow my set of imperial allen keys if you require. Start drip feeding it with Plus Gas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SM25T Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 Echo 7/32" and the need for PlusGas ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter G Posted April 3, 2015 Author Share Posted April 3, 2015 I've put so much plus gas on them I've almost run out! Thanks Peter I'll be in touch soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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