Date:         Tue, 15 Sep 1998 11:53:37 EDT
Reply-To:     Blbachman@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Blaine Bachman <Blbachman@AOL.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; charset=US-ASCII

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