cv-joint tool

[braxtona]

I'm preparing to drop my engine for the first time and am a little worried about getting the orrect part to take my cv-joints apart. To quote the PP engine drop tech article:

"A 12-point star-type tool required to remove the CV-joint bolts. Although tempting, don't attempt to use a torx or hex driver on these bolts"

What's the difference between this and a Torx wrench. Also, I'd like to avoid having to give my left arm to the local Snap-On dealer. Where should I get one of these things. It doesn't look like PP has the tool. Can a pick it up at Sears or someplace like that?

[ack_tm]

I just worked on the CV joint bolts myself. Picked up the tools at my local hardware store (Home Depot, are these in the US as well?).

Although my CV joints bolts were held in place with hex bolts, not star bolts, Home Depot did have both available.

The ones I got were for 3/8" drive, standard size for most ratchet sets.

Make sure you get the right star size.

Andrew

[skunk]

The tool is called a triple square. M8 I think. Search the past posts to be sure of the size. I got mine at a local auto parts store for five bucks.

pete

[JP Noonan]

Hex or "Allen" are 6 sided hexagons. The inverse of a bolt head.

"Torx" are six sided also but the sides are concavd in. Manufacures starting using these because the Torx design helps the fastener stick to the robotic screw drivers.

Triple squre is just that it is three squares rotated makeing 12 pnts. resembles a torx but with more points.

Use brake cleaner in the bolt heads first. Then tap the triple square in and try to loosen the bolt. If it is stripped I have good luck using a newer set of Vice-Grips. Newer ones have sharper teeth to relly bite into the bolt head.

[CoolTool]

I recently removed my CV joints from the transmision and I priced the "triple square" from Snap-On and it was something like $8.00. Didn't really think it was too high!

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

If you're allergic to paying for Snap-On tools, you can go to your local VW Bug specialty shop and ask them for the "CV Joint Socket". Bug CVs use the same bolts as ours.

Bug shops are also good sources for the "Tranny wrench", for removing the drain and fill plugs.

--DD

[Dave951M]

I was in my cv joints this weekend, the infamous 12 point 8mm tool was found at a local Auto Zone in a set of four consisting of 6mm to 12mm, graduated by 2mm. The set was $12.99 so now I have a few more tools in the box.

Dave951M
You can never have enough tools!

[Roland Kunz]

Hello

Those things are caled "Innenvielzahn" in germany. Those screws are high strength 14.9 bolts and get tourqed with 45 NM. M8 x 48.
get 50 mm and use Schnorr discs under the head. If you tourqed them put a colordot on them so you can see if they come loose.

A normal 8.8 will fail sooner or later.

If you need new bolts every VW/Audi Dealer stocks them. And there is a gasket under the joint. If it brakes the grease will come out.

There had been to high gaskets around. If you are not sure then retourqe the bolts after several miles ( 100-200 ) and at the next service.

Grüsse

[JP Noonan]

For the tranny I use a 17mm head bolt (I think it is a M10 bolt) with two nuts jammed on it. Works like a Allen wrench but easier to find.

[JP Noonan]

For the tranny I use a 17mm head bolt (I think it is a M10 bolt) with two nuts jammed on it. Works like a Allen wrench but easier to find.