Date:         Tue, 8 Sep 1998 19:07:25 PDT
Reply-To:     Sean Bartnik <bartnik@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Sean Bartnik <bartnik@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: CV Joint Bolts - Why are they 12 point? ARRGH!
Comments: To: jthom@NUCLEUS.COM
Comments: cc: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain

>ARRRGH!  If I'm not stripping them taking them out, I'm strippin' em
putting
>them in.  Why are the CV joint bolts multi point when the hex that fits
is
>of course 6 sided?  Is there a tool other than a hex to get the job
done?
>Different procedure?  I try to be as straight and deep as possible.
>
NEVER EVER use an allen key or allen socket to tighten/loosen 12-point
bolts!  You WILL strip them out and will have a bitch of a time ever
doing anything with them again.  The hex that is 6-sided does NOT fit --
the bolts are 12 point and this is why you are having problems.  Yes
there is a special tool for these 12 point bolts, it is called "triple
square" and is available at most auto parts stores.  Mine came in a pack
of four different sizes.  It is NOT a Torx tool, so don't waste your
money, I bet they will strip the bolts out just as well as an allen key.




>Is anyone else frustrated by these flimsy yet important  12 point
bolts?

No, they are actually superior to the allen head bolts, which are more
likely to strip.  But of course you actually have to use the right tool!


Sean Bartnik
Fairfax, Virginia
============================
'81 Vanagon L Westfalia
'74 Karmann Ghia convertible
http://www.type2.com/bartnik/tech.htm


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com