Creaking bush
There has been a really annoying creak coming from the front suspension of my 2002 Vauxhall Astra Mk4 Bertone 1.8 since I bought it. It’s especially loud over speed bumps. I finally traced the creak to the front nearside anti-roll bar bush, so purchased a replacement, assuming it would be a simple fix. However, the rear clamp bolt going into the subframe is very difficult to access due to the bulkhead/ chassis being in the way. I was told it could be reached with a 10mm flexi-head spanner, but it’s still very awkward. I couldn’t get a good grip as it’s an E12 Torx bolt and not hexagonal, so rather than round off an already difficult-to-access bolt, I left it.
I can’t find an E12 Torx flexi-head spanner anywhere. They all seem to be the regular Hex style. You could probably fabricate a tool to access it, but lack of a welder makes this difficult. If you have any advice on how to access and replace the bush without dropping the whole subframe, I would be very grateful. Paul Mccully
You can buy a five-piece Torx flexi-head spanner set for £29.99 including delivery at this link https://amzn.to/2ngvbsi. This set includes the E12 spanner you require.
I haven’t used one of these myself and have normally been able to complete the job by loosening the bolt initially with a standard flat E12 Torx spanner, then undoing it using a ¼indrive ratchet with a six-sided 10mm socket. Soaking the bolts for a while with penetrating oil should help to ease removal.