Its to make you go ARRGH! Seriously, the tool's readily available (unless you're in the Yukon wilds). If you're serious about VWs at all (since the early '70s anyway), you should have one - follow the Snap-On/MAC Tools guy around town until he stops. The trick is to: 1. Have "un-screwed-up" bolts to begin with. 2. Clean them out. 3. Make sure the spline is fully engaged (a tap with a hammer helps). If you use(d) a regular hex wrench, you're your own worst enemy. Some mechanical engineer will likely comment that the twelve-point spline actually gives you more contact and better torque leverage on the bolt than the regular hex head will. BTW, I've had good luck removing FUBAR bolts with a good set of Vise-Grip pliers; next resort is to dig into the edge of the head with a small cold chisel and break it free - just make sure you're hitting it in the right direction. DON'T use a hacksaw - you'll just screw up your CV boot (and it's a lot of work since the bolts are hardened and you'll have to saw through the entire head). Blaine in ABQ |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.