12 point socket for crankshaft bolt?

[jhowell]

I am going to be replacing the front crank seal on my '90 325is M20. The only 22mm deep socket I have is 12 point. Will this be sufficient or do I need to find a 6 point 22mm deep socket? I don't know if 250 ft. lbs. is considered too much for 12 point sockets.

[jlevie]

I'd be hesitant to use a 12 point socket on anything that requires much over 100ft-lbs of torque. For this you don't need a deep socket and I'd use a 22mm 6-point impact socket.

[jhowell]

Thank you - it's the removal that has me nervous.

[Red88]

It was torqued to 300 ft/lbs a long while ago, expect to put a few more torques to that bolt to get it off. Don't use a ratchet but do use a 1/2" drive breaker bar. I broke my 3/8" drive bar pretty quick on mine.

Impact is your friend.

[jhowell]

Impact is your friend.

It's on my wishlist but unfortunately not in my toolbox - I'm hoping a cheater bar will get the job done.

[MR 325]

It's pretty damn tough to get that off without an impact.

[jhowell]

Thank you R3V - just picked up a cordless impact. We'll see how it goes!

[jrdeamicis]

Just get the right tool.

1/2" drive at least. 22MM 6 Point.

I just EXPLODED a 22MM impact socket on a Subaru crank bolt.

[e30rapidic]

I use a 1/2 drive ratchet with a piece of jack handle over the handle for leverage. Never had an issue.

[Syncro325is]

I know it sounds outrageous, and i thought so too when I first heard about it, but the easiest way to get the bolt loose is to use the breaker bar with a 6point socket, pull the spark plugs, and crank the motor over with the starter. The bar slams into the frame and releases the bolt. You can also let it hit the ground, but I was using a lift. good luck, and watch your fingers!

[jlevie]

I know it sounds outrageous, and i thought so too when I first heard about it, but the easiest way to get the bolt loose is to use the breaker bar with a 6point socket, pull the spark plugs, and crank the motor over with the starter. The bar slams into the frame and releases the bolt. You can also let it hit the ground, but I was using a lift. good luck, and watch your fingers!

That will usually work, but it can be awfully rough on the starter. Holding the brakes with the transmission in 1st or reverse and applying force to a breaker bar and long extension is a bit safer.