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Tue Dec 31, 2002 3:04 pm

What do I use to remove the drive axe bolts on the cv joints. When I first looked at them I thought they were Allen head but upon closer inspection they looked more like a torx after my T30 wouldnt grab anything I soon relised it wasnt torx it looked like one but with twice as many teeth. Went to Sears and found no tool that looked as though it would work.

Any ideas?

Tue Dec 31, 2002 3:21 pm

It's been a long time since I had any vw's with cv joints, but I thought they were allens, in fact, I am almost sure they are....check them again

Tue Dec 31, 2002 8:13 pm

Negative

Allen wrench wont grip anything. At first when I try it feels like it will but then I use my breaker bar the allen just strips.

Wed Jan 01, 2003 12:33 pm

Well according to my haynes manual they are SPLINE DRIVE bolts. Early models use allen bolts later models use spline drive bolts.

Anyone know how to remove spline drive bolts? or know where I can find a tool to do so.

Wed Jan 01, 2003 1:23 pm

the tool you are refering to is called an 8mm "double hex",most commonly available as a socket to fit on a 3/8" ratchet,hope this helps,

Bert

Wed Jan 01, 2003 9:59 pm

The CV joints use an 8mm 12 point spline drive - as lostone says (I haven't heard the "double hex" description though).

Some type2s (Bus/Kombi) have allen key bolts, but the bugs always used the spline drive version.

They are NOT Torx bits - these have different shaped "teeth".

An 6mm allen key will "sort of" fit the recesses but if you try to use an allen key to torque the bolts to the required 25ftlbs, you'll strip the bolt heads and have REAL trouble getting them off again.

The spline drive is available from many VW shops and also from some specialty tool shops and large hardware stores.

Try to get a 'long shaft' version if you can - about 3 inches long and with the socket drive attached - this makes it easier to clear the rubber boots when working on the bolts.

Rob
Rob and Dave's aircooled VW pages
Repairs and maintenance for the home mechanic
http://www.geocities.com/aussiebug1970/

Wed Jan 01, 2003 10:27 pm

well I have succesfully stripped out 2 of them unkowing what I was doing. In looking through some catalogs I found the driver I need.

Thanks all for the help

Wed Jan 01, 2003 10:42 pm

hmmm, my 69square were allens, aftermarket? type 2?