3.2/915 Flywheel removal tool

[Eric Hahl]

So the other day I was all excited about getting my new "Triple Square" flywheel removal tool so I could continue with my clutch replacement. I ended up ordering a 4 pack from NAPA, 6 thru 12mm.

So I get home, change into my grubbies and attach the 12mm to my ratchet so I can remove the flywheel. Low and behold, it doesn't fit, too dang small. I swear, nothing is stock on this car.

Has anybody ever run into this and what size was the bolt on yours? I haven't measured mine yet but from the looks of it its closer to 14mm.

From what I've read here the bolt is supposed to use the 12mm tool. Is that correct?

[88911coupe]

12 mm on mine. I had to borrow one and then finally found one by accident so I bought it for the reinstall. Just fyi, I don't think these should be reused so when you order new ones...From Pelican...you can order the correct size.
These can be a bugger to remove. I had an electric impact wrench and it barely worked. It did seem to jar them loose enough for a breaker bar to do the rest of the work.
BTW, when the say 12 mm, what exactly is the section that measures "12mm" is is the inside at the points of the star or the outside of the bolt head...just curious.

[Eric Hahl]

Thanks Buck, I'll definitely be replacing the bolts with new when I do the re-install. I'm not sure how they measure these. I assume its across the points. Anybody?

[rob911]

Not sure, but I borrowed one from my local specialist, who seemed impressed that I was attempting it at home.
Sounds like and entreprising company which sells clutch kit should loan out this tool, with suitable deposit. Had similar service when buying inlet & exhaust valves and guides for my alfa, the supplier loaned me the cam locking tool.

[john walker's workshop]

12mm.

[euro911sc]

Mine were fine... sure you have the right size? I found mine at the local auto mart, Bennet Auto Supply (no relation to Chris Bennet ) It came in a poorly labeled 4 pack. A problem I encountered was that they were too long to fit on a breaker and in between the Mainley engine mount adapter ring. But a box end wrench and hammer worked for removal. Intallation of new will have to be off the stand...

Best regards,

Michael

[Gunter]

Originally Posted by Eric Hahl

Thanks Buck, I'll definitely be replacing the bolts with new when I do the re-install. I'm not sure how they measure these. I assume its across the points. Anybody?

Couple pointers:
The triple-squares in the bolts are very shallow.
Most of the 12 mm bits I have seen are too round at the tip meaning: they don't fit deep enough to really bite.
Grind the end flush so that you have sharp edges.
Clean out the holes really well.
Put a couple drops of penetrating oil on the shoulder of the bolts.
Press the 12mm tool hard into the hole while using a 1/2" breaker bar to crack the bolt.

[Eric Hahl]

Originally Posted by Gunter

Couple pointers:
The triple-squares in the bolts are very shallow.
Most of the 12 mm bits I have seen are too round at the tip meaning: they don't fit deep enough to really bite.
Grind the end flush so that you have sharp edges.
Clean out the holes really well.
Put a couple drops of penetrating oil on the shoulder of the bolts.
Press the 12mm tool hard into the hole while using a 1/2" breaker bar to crack the bolt.

Thats sounds like great advise, I'll keep this is mind this evening when I re-visit the problem.

[Gunter]

One more thing:
The flywheel has to be locked solid.
Make a lock by using a box-end wrench jammed into one of the 9 bolts from the clutch assembly on the outer edge of the flywheel and one of the 4 bell housing bolts on the case.

[Eric Hahl]

Well guys, I was at an auto parts store and noticed they had a 12mm bit. It looked a little bigger than the ones I purchased the day before. I bought it, brought it home and viola', it worked.

So, looks like the 4 pack I purchased the day before was packaged wrong, it did not have a 12mm bit.

Thanks everyone for the replies, it was easy with the right tool.

Gunter, the wrench as a lock bar worked great!

[efhughes3]

Don't use an impact wrench on the flywheel bolts or on CV joints....you're walking a thin line then, IMO.

[barney911rs]

I had to use vice grips to get the pressure plate bolts out when I pulled my motor. When the pressure plate broke, the parts flung around inside there and managed to smear over the face of all the bolts so you could not get an allen socket to fit. That was a fun time I never hope to repeat.

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by efhughes3

Don't use an impact wrench on the flywheel bolts or on CV joints....you're walking a thin line then, IMO.

Why not on the flywheel bolts? I have used an impact on them a number of times with no problems for removal. Just make sure you have a good bit and the head of the bolt is clean.

[Eric Hahl]

I just used an 18" breaker bar to break the bolts loose, no problems whatsoever and no need for a impact wrench. I wouldn't have a problem using one if needed to though.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by Kurt V

Why not on the flywheel bolts? I have used an impact on them a number of times with no problems for removal. Just make sure you have a good bit and the head of the bolt is clean.

Impact leaves no room for error.

Use heat to break loose any red Loctite or even rust/corrosion/scale on the things.