Remove subaru cam bolt No impact gun No drilling OG Video!

Mechanic shows two ways to remove stubborn cam sprocket bolts, without impact gun, and you can re-use the bolts!
I was informed This method is fine for non avcs and avcs INTAKE cam sprockets, but NOT OKAY for EXHAUST sprockets. Father Verification in comments please?

[@Shirkatron]

I’m a dealer tech and my best solution to remove these 100% of the time is to use an inductive heater on the bolt. The dip my Snapon 10mm in lapping puddy to keep it from rounding the inside of the bolt. I also use you strategy with the timing belt, always have a old one on backup. Honestly removing these bolts are like trying to get NES games to work. Everyone has a trick that works

[@damiendunbabin3630]

Awesome, thanks, I have rounded two cam sockets and I used the right tools and heaps of WD40, no budge 🤦‍♂️.. just purchased extractor sockets, life saver 👍

[@subtledriver]

Read through some of the comments! Apparently there are some cam gears that are sensitive to my procedure. Mine are fine, but some aren't so be careful. If yours fit the no-no description, drill em out. But I guess they would have broke already from previous work... idk

[@jamesfitzpatrick7203]

"in case you're an idiot, remove these 3 bolts" haha I was just watching Subaru mechanic videos and stumbled on yours. I was like I know that guy, I know that shop, ill use this because I don't know how to weld. Hope things are going well for you man!

[@subtledriver]

Haha wussup bro!? I had to watch my video again to hear myself say that. I should make more videos. But I need an assistant to film. It's hard to do things with one hand free

[@kevinhill3693]

I did the same thing as you before watching this, I thought it worked damn fine!!

[@restlesscat3923]

This really works, been fighting mine for a little over a week. Tried the impact gun and heat inductor....nothing. Had a really buff freak of a friend try to manhandle the bolt and nothing. Almost gave up and went with welding a socket on to it. Until! I saw this video, I was like what hell might as well try it...and it works! it makes all your past efforts look pathetic haha..ha..

[@ryanisaacsonn]

bro can't thank you enough! you a friggin lifesaver

[@subtledriver]

click the add and share the video to help others! thank you and im glad it helped you!

[@EasyFixShaun]

Here is another video to show how to use the motor weight to get the bolts out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpzMi4p-dqeDjNE

[@BuddyBellTree]

You did a better job than did. I broke my avcs cam trying this method. It had too much slack. Subaru recommends new bolts for reinstall. I try to use new ones unless they come out perfectly. Which seems to be rare.

[@jasonalfandreiii672]

This was so helpful. Thanks so much for sharing this!!

[@MrStallion0013]

Best way for the intake bolts is the proper tools. And if the exhaust is being stubborn carefully cut the shoulder of the bolt off it'll spin out by hand. Then bye new bolts they're like $12 and usually in stock at Subaru.

[@Leodontknowhowtoswim]

I might try this is this true

[@MrStallion0013]

@@Leodontknowhowtoswim I've had to do it a handful of times. Just be careful not to cut the cam gear or damage the cam.

[@chris06stg2]

Anyone watching this video this shit works .... I got the top right intake off with a 10MM Hex key pretty easy but the bottom right exhaust would NOT ! come out without this method. I SHATTERED 2 3/8 Wrenches !! and one 3/8 Breaker bar ! .... Bought the Exact extractor kit from sears and it worked ! I still had my engine in my car doing so hitting the socket on was hard. Poster TY !!

[@subtledriver]

Hey buddy, thanks for the reply. Be sure to share this on a Subaru forum to help others out. Thank you for the comment!

[@chris06stg2]

NP man ..... when also anyone else watching this. When you put the ACVS gear back on. Make sure you find the key hole don't be like me and miss fuck up your ACVS gear lol.

[@subtledriver]

Christopher Giarraffa damn! Sorry to hear haha

[@seanedwards2694]

You sir are a life saver

[@subtledriver]

Your welcome! please post this video on subaru forums and facebook groups! It will help me out!

[@Megacatares]

I just used this video... and it saved my ****. Thank you! One it worked for - other it didnt. But that one I was able to get a snugger fitting allen - I guess tighter tolerance than the 10 I was using and it worked.

[@miriamvivo4279]

Thanks subaru great engineering

[@Questchaun]

Wow I surprised the extractor worked!

[@jonnybgood2810]

other solution is weld a hexagonal nut over the factory one if you got a welder though

[@paigetrapman641]

You saved us, thank you

[@bengalindo2119]

Thank you brother

[@SimonPhoenix2022]

I'm an idiot. But if you drilled it out like you said. Why would the rest of the bolt just be hand tight. All the tension is on the flange of the bolt head?

[@paulricketts2863]

This way of removing the bolts,without vvt tools will put all the load on the 2.5mm pins and they will brake,causing you timing problems

[@subtledriver]

Thanks for watching, please shoot me a follow on my Instagram! Instagram.com/subtledriver

[@miriamvivo4279]

I may have to do this to replace the crank and camshaft seals that are leaking.ej257 sti 2006

[@bpetrozelli]

Williams TS51709 18mm

[@pvshes1175]

You have no idea how much fucking time you just saved me

[@subtledriver]

Your welcome. Thank you for the comment, show the love and please share the video and like.

[@EasyFixShaun]

Here is another video to show how to use the motor weight to get the bolts out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpzMi4p-dqeDjNE

[@fightingfalconfan]

What size are you using though? I got one but it's either too big or too small...I am stuck trying to drill out the center on my driver side exhaust cam.

[@tylerhunt88]

Amazing work!

[@nijemhaifa3204]

I was lucky enough to take mine off with Milwaukee electric impact, but when I opened it, the head gaskets were done before so I’m guessing that’s why ?

[@subtledriver]

That is most likely why it was easier. Someone else cracked it loose and tightened it. Probably didn't have decades of bacon grease with vape juice blocking it any more. Lol

[@joshs.4689]

Saved me a few hours of bs lol.

[@luigypatorrin2538]

Great video!! 💯💯💯

[@meanodustino9563]

There is another way. As this does show how to destroy a timing belt. 1. Spend $100 and get the right tools because you have to torque them anyways. 72ftlbs. 2. Use a external extractor with impact. Grabs the head of the bolt. This works EVERY TIME. Saves the bolt for re-use and to just get it out if you do strip it out .

[@ninjazombie1145]

not correct, inner avcs spring can snap, suppose to hold the inner gear of the cam right around the hex bolt so torque isnt applied to the outer part of the avcs system

[@vindieu]

Audi has the same problem just worse: Because you can't access that bolt from the outter rim (it's hidden within the VVT), and it has a polydrive teeth, not even standard. Consider yourself lucky

[@subarutime5089]

Company 23 sell those bolts there a little nicer

[@Millz37]

So question, I've even used an air hammer to try and get mine out, thinking that maybe some dummie befor me put lock tight on these bolts which blue L.T. might be OK bt not red, so my question is if I've tried everything including breaker bar, air hammer, 1/2 impact and it still won't come out.. what are your suggestions.???

[@jordanb.9373]

this guy knows

[@jordanb.9373]

Even if you cant get something on the outside of it, the belt done well with vise grips holding the sprocket still, will lallow you break them loose with the 10mm hex on the breaker bar.

[@jonnybgood2810]

could you share where you get it from?

[@inthefreytoo]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@miriamvivo4279]

What size extractor ???

[@alicegilmore6149]

Dude your my hero

[@ChrisW1962]

I have a 2002 WRX and seems the 17mm is too small and the 19mm too big in my set, need a 18mm? which is real hard to find

[@subtledriver]

cweskos1 I used a fractions aka std. set.

[@pavelbimbolov6235]

Thanks that worked

[@subtledriver]

glad to help! plus you can re-use the bolts if you need too!

[@coreysauder9519]

Shoot just broke my lower right cam sproket with my vice grip- thought it was steel. Going to have to use your method! Q: Do these bolts remove normal rotation (cc or lefty-loosey)?? I know the lower right sprocket itself should only be rotated counter-clockwise or risk damaging valves BUT does this mean that the bolt is threaded so that it is removed by clockwise rotation??? Appreciated!

[@subtledriver]

corey sauder lefty loosey. yes

[@lagg-alot8308]

On WRX you can get away with this but on STI with Exhaust AVCS Cam Gear you will damage the Exhaust Cam Gear if you hold the cam gear with anything but the ST499977500 tool, even the tool23 will damage exhaust cam gear. There are after markets of this tool so you do not have to spend $260 for the Subaru tool here: www.amazon.com/dp/B076N57GNQ?tag=vs-auto-convert-amazon-20 See my video that explains how it damages the cam gear.

[@subtledriver]

John Perricone thank you for this info!

[@marvinorellanaautoservice4470]

John Perricone were is your video?

[@TakeItEasyJono]

Disclaimer: DO NOT DO THIS TO AVCS EXHAUST CAMS. you will break the very small pin that holds the two sides so that they rotate together. This method is for non avcs and avcs intake cams only

[@subtledriver]

Thank you for that info! How did you find this out? Probably not fun one huh? Do you have photos or videos somewhere, i wanna see what it looks like. again thank you.

[@TakeItEasyJono]

subtledriver not a fun way at all... forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2087785&goto=newpost

[@subtledriver]

Jonathan C good to know, I haven't pulled an exhaust side off with avcs yet. I will keep this in mind for when that time comes. Which explains why I have pulled many intake avcs sprockets with this method and haven't had a single issue. Thanks again for the info

[@jsmaddocks8283]

Edit for clarity...I had a stubborn bolt on an AVCS exhaust cam that was starting to strip with a 10mm allen. An extractor socket worked great, but you have to grind the points off the outer hex so it fits inside the pulley. If you don't do this, the outer hex hits the inside of the pulley and can apply a torque to it, at least with an Irwin-brand extractor. I ground the outer hex off the extractor socket and stuck it in backwards first for a test fit. ****important: I used a relatively cheap aftermarket tool that I found on @m@zon to hold the outside of the gear assembly in place. I agree that holding the outside of the pulley will break the pin.

[@griplimit]

Seriously what is wrong with Subaru? They make plastic cam gears that you can’t remove!

[@subtledriver]

They remove easily with proper tools. This is the "ghetto" way of doing it.

[@alanw5812]

I only took one mins to drill one bolt,it easy,13mm.

[@subtledriver]

This video is for people who don't want to drill as per the title.

[@alanw5812]

Only 1min and without buying special tool and damage the belt,faster better.

[@subtledriver]

@@alanw5812 it was an old belt, and the special tool was $5-15. I have a drill and bit, But I prefer keeping the bolt and re-using it. even if you are able to get the bolt out in a minute, You still need to special order a bolt to get the car back on the road. the tool is available at any autopart or tool store.

[@maciejkaczmarek1322]

Is camfhaft have a wedge on avcs ?

[@paulricketts2863]

they being the cam gears,as the pins are not interchangeable

[@tkh1845]

Don't use rattle guns on timing components.. smh

[@clutchkickcustomsmedia5187]

+1

[@sackytar1]

This is exactly how you would never do a thing. EVVVERRR! Buy the tools !

[@subtledriver]

the tool can crack or destroy the plastic pulleys if the bolt doesnt come out clean with the hex bit.

[@jbradley920rox]

Wrong

[@paulricketts2863]

doing it this way puts all the load on the 2.5mm pins inside,they will all need replacing, dont give advice like this as its the wrong way,you need the right tools for this job

[@worldstarknockouts614]

I think its fine. I have done 10plus this way with the belt trick never had an issue. I got the tools now only to make it easier.

[@Booki89]

What size extractor did you use ?

[@subtledriver]

im not exactly sure, I grabbed a kit off a co-worker and test fitted. i suggest doing the same or buying a kit with multiple extractors for use later on other projects. its not very expensive. worth it for later.

[@Booki89]

subtledriver thanks mate. I did exactly that but the correct size is a 18mm. My kit came with 17mm and 19mm -_- ended up grinding the bolt a bit to get the 17mm on and got it off

[@subtledriver]

I used a fractions kit and two of them would have worked :-0

[@eflanagan1921]

Please don't drop tools ,teaches the kiddies bad habits.

[@subtledriver]

I drop my own tools, I paid for them! ;-p

[@subtledriver]

hahaha! I know right? These are my expensive tools that I paid for, If something breaks I get new ones from Snappy. thanks for the comment!

[@bmxkelowna]

Never ever impact gun the avcs gears you can and will damage them!!

[@naughtynick8239]

Dude never reuse those pieces of shit go buy new ones from Subaru they’re 20 bucks they all strip

[@FreakBob871]

hack job bud

[@katRainbowDagger]

This is how you destroy the inside of the cam gears, buy the special tools or you’ll be buying cam gears

[@fujitsubo3323]

and for goodness sake dont use a fucking impact to try take the bolts off...