CJ joint fasterners

[Doug Steinel]

I am servicing the CV joints on my '77 911. Three of the CV joints have 6 standard 6 mm allen bolts. The other one has a multipoint (looks like 12 pts) kind of allen bolt. What is the socket that will fit in this multi point bolt called? Can I just run up to Sears and get this multipoint socket? Also, I have an extra half shaft with CVs on my shelf. The CV joints on it have four 8 mm bolts. I take it that I won't be able to use the one on my shelf as a replacement for the one on my car.

[hcoles]

I wonder if you are describing a torx drive cap screw head

[turbobrat930]

The Vw's use the type of cv joint bolt. It is a metric 12 point allen wrench. My local NAPA store had one, and was only like 5 bucks or so.

[Grady Clay]

Doug,

Here is THE thread:

Reconstructing Constant Velocity (CV) Joints

While long, it is worth studying it in full.

Best,
Grady

[Hugh R]

Amen to what Grady said! Read it, study it, apply it!

[shbop]

What is the socket that will fit in this multi point bolt called? Can I just run up to Sears and get this multipoint socket?

You could be looking at what's called a "triple square." If it's similar to the ones that secure the striker plate for your door locks, then that's it.

[Doug Steinel]

Jon,

Following the advice of this forum, I went up to my local parts store and they had a set. My mechanic calls this kind of socket a "cheesehead", but the box they came in is called "12 pt triple square metric internal wrench set."

Thanks Grady for that link to the mother of all CV joint threads
I used my impact wrench to get the bolts out. I suggest cleaning out the bolts real good with a solvent before placing the socket; use a small brush and Q tip because it looks easy to round one of these bolts and that would be a real pia. I taped the socket down into each bolt completely before trying to remove to make sure it had the best possible seating. I got both half shaft s off and discovered that I have no moon washers and no individual washers at all under each bolt. I will dissamble the CVs and see if they are reusable today. Next Sat I intend to go to the Hershey sway and I imagine I can pick up a few half shafts there if one of my CVs is shot.

[Doug Steinel]

Jon,

Indeed, the socket for the CV bolts is the same one used for the bolts securing the striker plate... 8 mm, 12 pt. etc. etc. etc.

[JohnKo]

Originally posted by Doug Steinel
Jon,

Following the advice of this forum, I went up to my local parts store and they had a set. My mechanic calls this kind of socket a "cheesehead", but the box they came in is called "12 pt triple square metric internal wrench set."

For what it's worth, I think "cheesehead" refers to the shape of the head of the fastener, but not necessarily the shape of the hole/tool. ~John

[Nine9six]

Doug,
While the half moon plates were not used on all iterations, It may be wise to employ the schnorr (sp?) washers upon reassembly. They are mentioned repeatedly in the CV joint thread.
It is very important to have the bolts and internal threads CLEAN upon reassembly.

[T77911S]

if you have a fastenol in your area, you can get a bag of 50 bolts and washers for less than you will pay for 12 elsewhere.

[IROC]

Originally posted by T77911S
if you have a fastenol in your area, you can get a bag of 50 bolts and washers for less than you will pay for 12 elsewhere.

Exactly. These bolts are simply socket head cap screws. Just make sure to get the 12.9 strength rating. FWIW, my local Fastenal doesn't carry these in stock - they have to order them.

[frankc]

Originally Posted by Doug Steinel

I am servicing the CV joints on my '77 911. Three of the CV joints have 6 standard 6 mm allen bolts. The other one has a multipoint (looks like 12 pts) kind of allen bolt. What is the socket that will fit in this multi point bolt called?

Doug,

I'm in the same boat - During my engine drop this weekend I discovered that one of my halfshafts had the std M8x50 Allens, and the other had the Triple Square fasteners you mention at both ends (picture below). Eric must have had a bin full of these . I was able to get one bolt out using a Torx T40. I took it to various places (Sears, Harbor Freight, auto parts, etc.) trying to find a tool, but no luck. Btw, the bolts measure about M8x45 - which may be a little short for the application based on Grady's post.

I am able to find the triple-square tool on-line, but what size do I need to order? Since the Allens are 6mm, I assume 6mm as well?



thanks,
Frank

[Jim Sims]

"I was able to get one bolt out using a Torx T40. I took it to various places (Sears, Harbor Freight, auto parts, etc.) trying to find a tool, but no luck. Btw, the bolts measure about M8x45 - which may be a little short for the application based on Grady's post.

I am able to find the triple-square tool on-line, but what size do I need to order? Since the Allens are 6mm, I assume 6mm as well?"

You'll need a 8mm triple square bit for the M8 bolts.
Every Autozone store I've been in lately has had a set of triple square bits (6, 8, 10 and 12 mm) in the tool section for less than $20 - yes I always look. You have to typically look for yourself as many of the store clerks will not know a triple square bit from a Torx bit. Most Snap-On tool trucks also carry the triple square bits but they are expensive. By the way there are no OEM Torx head fasteners on a 911 the vintage of yours.

[frankc]

Great - thanks Jim. There are a couple of Autozones nearby - I'll stop by tomorrow to see if they have them.

Frank

[Doug Steinel]

Frank,

I bought those triple square sockets in a set at local parts store. I am looking at the set now and it seems the only that has been used is the 8 mm one. I could crawl under my car and check, but it is real cold here and I am too old for such things.

Why the engine drop? Has it been out since Eric pulled it years ago?

[3.2 CAB]

You can also check at farm tractor dealers for a local supply of the bolts, socket bits and even the crush washers for the oil connections, sump drain plug, and even the tank drain plug. I bought a little zip-lock bag full of the crush washers, just a few cents each. they have them in copper of the alloy type. Good luck!! Tony.

[iamchappy]

Drill and Safety wire as an extra precaution against them coming loose.

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=54963

[frankc]

I checked at the local Autozone store at lunch and no luck - they had never seen that type of fastener before. I called one of the larger stores in town and the clerk said they have it, as a set only, and it sells for $20. I guess that will have to do (or buy just the one I need from a snap-on truck). I consider this really a one-time use tool, as I plan to replace the fasteners with the Allens when it goes back together.

Doug,
Yes, this is the first time the engine will be out since Eric did the rebuild about 20 years ago! There's actually nothing wrong with the motor, it's just that I have three jobs to do that would be easier with the engine & transmission out of the way, so it's just for convenience. I wouldn't do it if I were doing just one of them (remove trailing arms, replace brake & fuel lines, replace starter).

Say hello to Eric for me.

Frank

[Jim Sims]

The 10 mm triple square bit in the kit is required for the flywheel bolts in your car. Also the door striker plates have fasteners with triple square wrenching features.