Mazda CX-5 Head unit security bolt/nut?

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thenine

37 posts

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#304676 27-May-2023 12:41

Hi all,

I was going to replace the head unit in my wifes CX-5 (2012 Jap import) and came across this locking nut.

Been scouring on the line to see if I can find something that would remove it. It's about 10-11mm. Has anyone seen anything like this and/or know where I can find a socket for it?

Broke about 4 of my small drill bits trying to drill into it so I guess it's doing it's job 😰. Will one of those universal sockets do the trick? Thanks in advance for any leads.

Bung

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#3080050 27-May-2023 13:19

This has come up before. There are quite a few different versions of security screw keyed slightly differently. AFAIK there isn't one bit that fits them all. @RUKI might have more idea.

MikeB4

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#3080054 27-May-2023 13:35

Have you tried the Mazda dealer in your region. I am sure they will be able to deal with it and it will be a lot less stressful

hsvhel

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#3080063 27-May-2023 14:34

Are you in Auckland?

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thenine

37 posts

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#3080203 28-May-2023 08:23

MikeB4: Have you tried the Mazda dealer in your region. I am sure they will be able to deal with it and it will be a lot less stressful

Yeah I've tried calling and left a couple of messages. Will see what they say.

hsvhel: Are you in Auckland?

In Hamilton.

Ge0rge

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#3080204 28-May-2023 08:30

Would it be easier to use a roght-angled bit and undo the screws holding the radio to that bracket instead?

RunningMan

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#3080206 28-May-2023 08:49

Enough room for a dot punch and hammer to tap it around?

thenine

37 posts

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#3080208 28-May-2023 08:59

Ge0rge: Would it be easier to use a roght-angled bit and undo the screws holding the radio to that bracket instead?

I did try that, but even with a flexi bit, just not enough room. Thanks though.

RunningMan:Enough room for a dot punch and hammer to tap it around?

This will be my last resort. I have hands like feet, so I'm worried I'll end up breaking the plastic. Theres just enough room to tap the right side up so it'll take a while but if I can't find another way I'll give it a crack (potentially literally).

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Bung

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#3080260 28-May-2023 09:35

AFAIK the security screw is hardened so it will be difficult to chisel. You might be able to notch the edge with a cobalt drill if the dealer can't help. They may refer you to a car audio workshop anyway.

k1w1k1d

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#3080266 28-May-2023 10:22

Looks like security torx/tamper torx, although it has pretty rounded corners?

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Bung

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#3080281 28-May-2023 11:11

They aren't Torx, they are more like anti-theft wheel nuts.

k1w1k1d

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#3080317 28-May-2023 13:14

Bung, you are correct. I didn't notice that the centre raised pin also had six knobs on it. Looks like a real pia!

Might have to ring around the radio installers to see if they have the correct tool.

lxsw20

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#3080319 28-May-2023 13:39

They don't look factory, and if you look on youtube videos showing replacement of a 2012 CX-5 headunit show they are normal philips. From the photo they almost look like sheer bolts (take the head off when you do them up) which are not designed to be easily removed.

Certainly nothing like that on my 2016 CX-5 when i put the carplay kit in it.

I wonder if you could get a dremel in there and grind the heads off.

I wouldn't take it to Mazda, you'll get charged the earth for what is a simple job once you get those out.

wally22

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#3080393 28-May-2023 16:41

Can you get a 100 -115mm angle grinder with a cutting wheel in there to cut the plate off?

Use rags to catch the swarf. Only downside is losing the security screw feature and of possible easier theft.

RUKI

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#3084007 2-Jun-2023 16:49

Hi, I am very rarely on GZ nowadays. Just noticed the topic. This is one of very many variations of security bolts found in toyotas as well. I have only 2 versions of keys for it, one of the guys who installs stereos has about 8 versions of those, however - there are dozens of versions. Do not try to find correct one - just drill it off or use the tool dentists use to extract teeth - those tools can do miracles.

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thenine

37 posts

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#3092763 20-Jun-2023 19:54

Thought I'd update everyone on the resolution. So Mazda wanted to charge me almost $300 just to have a look at it, and they didn't even seem confident that they could get them out. So I called around some car audio guys and found a guy who had a stack of keys. None of them worked, but he managed to jam a broken key bit in there and knock it around with a hammer. It required a fair bit of force to loosen it. I'd say all in all it took about 10mins. Replaced the old screws with Phillips screws so I don't have issues with it in the future. Cost me nothing but I got him to install the new head unit so he'd at least get something out of it.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions :)