Would a 4" Makita Grinder Dispatch bad CV Bolt Heads?

grant lyon · grant lyon's Garage

Anyone tried to use a 4" Disc Grinder to take heads of CV bolts?
Fast? Don't know, but this might be a dumb idea if the bolt is too hard and the disc chatters and shatters (ugly). Thinking of trying this first in a controlled environment off the car with a junk yard bolt.

I have some CV joint bolts with marginal form at the head (slightly rounded hex). Have a boot split and I know the joints, though reworked, are old high mileage.

I'm thinking of just swapping out the whole axel + two CV set. So, I 'm not worried about nicking the CV joint.

IROC · IROC's Garage

I've been able to get these "slightly rounded hex" CV bolts out with a pair of Vise Grips. Ruins the bolt, of course, but you're going to replace it anyway...

Mike

scphelps1 · scphelps1's Garage

I ended up grinding one down with a Dremel tool. It took quite a while because I wasn't using the correct bit, but it got the job done. After that, I was able to twist the bolt out with my fingers!

As for using the grinder, I'm not sure as I haven't tried it, but I would think it would work.

Zeke · 08-28-2003, 07:06 AM

But no one said, "Yes, you can use a Makita." If you can get it in there, it will be fine. I too, use the vise grips first. But you gotta do what you gotta do.

dad911 · 08-28-2003, 07:34 AM

I've ground off rusty nuts, etc often with a makita grinder. If you can physically reach the bolt head, I think you will be able to grind it off. Remember eve protection, and be carefull where all the little metal grindings go. You dont want any of them to find their way to bushings/bearings or vents on the engine & trans.

addictionMS · addictionMS's Garage

one possible step up from the grinding option is you can buy cut off blades for a 4" grinder, they will cut through a little faster if you can get in there to do a cutting action rather than grind it all off.

Jim

Randy Webb · 08-28-2003, 04:22 PM

I just don't understand how life was possible before sticky notes and Vise Grips were invented. Must have been "nasty, brutish, and short."

michel richard · 08-28-2003, 04:53 PM

a 4 inch grinder and a good metal cutting blade will eat through most any bolt in very short order. Careful you don't ruin the cv joint itself, though.
get a pack of 5 blades, they don't last very long.

Michel Richard

350HP930 · 08-28-2003, 05:08 PM

Before you go as far as cutting off the heads you might just try using a dremmel with a cutter disk to cut a notch in the head that resembles a large standard screw stick slot.

Then you can use a screw impact and a large screw driver to get it out once it is loose.

There is a lot less labor involved in this method sometimes, especially if your access area is small.