Greetings! I had to replace my timing chain cover because the old one had stress cracks in it, but the new cover doesn't come with the bracket that has the actual timing marks on it. No biggie, right? Just swap the old one onto the new cover. Not so fast! It is held on by two strange looking torx bolts that have a "nipple" inside the torx socket which prevents a normal torx bit from being inserted. Has anyone dealt with this before? It would seem that I need a tox bit that has a hollow center to allow it to slide over that stub that is sticking out. Any ideas?

 

The are security torx, you can get them at Autozone or any parts store

 

Thanks! Picked up an assorted set of hollow torx bits for $9.99 at Autozone. Size was T-27 for anyone who runs into this issue. Also noticed that the bracket has slotted bolt holes which allows the timing marks to be moved around. I thought that was kind of odd. I'll put the bracket on in the same position but I wonder how GM knows where to set that thing initially.

 

Well, that didn't go so well. I went to loosen the bolts and noticed that my wrench turned but the bolt didn't. I looked at my torx bit and it looked lik a freakin' metallic twizzler! It totally twisted up and didn't even budge those stupid bolts. COME ON! They are only holding on a puny bracket for cryin' out loud. I ended up having to drill them out and now I get to go to the parts store and get some new ones (NOT SECURITY TORX!)

 

yeah i forgot to mention to get the good ones and not that set lol mine did the same thing when i tightend my fuel pressure regulator. they work ok on interior screws though.