Date:         Mon, 1 Dec 2003 03:35:41 -0800
Reply-To:     Ben S <phlogiston@ISPWEST.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben S <phlogiston@ISPWEST.COM>
Subject:      drilling out axle bolts
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

today i began an attempt to replace the cv joints on the 2nd axle.  the
first went smoothly with a friend's help.  today i was not so lucky; the
second axle bolt that i attempted to remove from the wheel side was
already badly stripped, apparently by whoever had installed the previous
cv joints.  it's the 12 pt style and is pretty well rounded on the
inside, so from reading the archives, it seems that drilling the head
off this bolt is the best solution.  with this in mind, i pose the
following questions:

any advice on doing the drilling?  all i have now is a 12v cordless
drill and a bunch of old dull bits, so i'm going to buy new stuff.  who
makes good drills these days?
what kind of bit do i want?  do i need an extra-long one to reach into
that space inside the trailing arm?
is it possible to do this drilling without damaging the cv's boot?
my new cv joints didn't come with retaining rings, how bad is it to re
use the old ones?
any advice on where to get a 12point driver socket?  i have to give back
the one i borrowed today.  i'd like to avoid chasing down the matco or
snap on truck if at all possible.

any tricks, techniques, or amusing anecdotes about this arduous task are
appreciated!  thanks.

Ben.