Where can I get the bit/socket 4 cv's

[projekt70chevel]

Just wondering where I can get the tool to take off the cv/half shafts. Also what is the amount of pts?

[sayporsha]

I got mine at a local VW parts supplier, but some tool stores carry them. Or, you can try Pelican Parts!

It's an 8mm 12-point socket for "cheesehead" bolts, also known as a "triple square" socket.

[a.n.other]

http://store.yahoo.com/joeztools/12pointbitset.html

It's a set of four different sizes for $11.50, and you may need the other sizes on different parts of the car.

I also got my circlip pliers from there - they are not very good, but did the trick - and they were cheap!

[rb101]

I got a nice set from Pep Boys for about $20 . 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm.

[Taz's Master]

Advance Auto, in a 3-pack

[bryanthompson]

O'Reilly has them too, the 4 pack of bits of different sizes. One of the mechanic guys probably has the Snap-on part number. The cheap bits will do the job, but if you strip one of he CV bolts you'll be kicking yourself for not paying $20 for the right tool. I believe CV bolts cost $8 each, is that right?

edit: The one you want is an 8mm 12-point (triple-square): http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=2480&group_ID=282

[AFJuvat]

Snap on part number FTSM8E

You can also web search for XZN fastener (proper name for the bolts)

AFJuvat

[VINMAN]

I changed mine over to regular 6-point socket head stainless bolts

[IceShark]

CV bolts are a little under $1 each.

The triple square drive is one tool you probably don't want to go cheap on. Unlike allen head bolts the depth of the engagement splines in the bolt heads are fairly shallow. This gives more meat to the head thickness in the shoulder. But it also means it is easier to round out points if your drive is low quality and doesn't fit snug.

[TCMdocs944]

Napa calls it a star socket bout $8.

Advance auto has the 3 pack for about the same price (other sizes fit door stays etc.)

Clean out the heada (female surfaces) and give a little tap to seat them before turning. They should not be in there with much torque so don't force them.

[speedracing944]

I chased down a Snap On truck. for 4 triple squares they were $120. OUCH!!

[bryanthompson]

I thought the CV bolts were waaay more expensive than that... wonder what I'm thinking of.

[speedracing944]

Originally posted by VINMAN
I changed mine over to regular 6-point socket head stainless bolts

I think the tensile strength of a 6 point (Allen) stainless bolt is much much less than triple square bolt. That could prove to be dangerous if they broke while going all out down the back straight. If I remember correctly the triple square has one of the highest tensile strengths for a fastener.

Speedy

[VINMAN]

Originally posted by speedracing944
I think the tensile strength of a 6 point (Allen) stainless bolt is much much less than triple square bolt. That could prove to be dangerous if they broke while going all out down the back straight. If I remember correctly the triple square has one of the highest tensile strengths for a fastener.

Speedy

I checked into that before I used them. They where about the same. Ive had them on the car for about 70,00 miles. they have held up well.

[speedracing944]

Originally posted by VINMAN
I checked into that before I used them. They where about the same. Ive had them on the car for about 70,00 miles. they have held up well.

Vinman,
I checked into the tensile strength of both the metric stainless socket head cap screw and a class 12.9 metric socket head cap screw. Here is what i have found.

stainless metric = 100,000 psi tensile strength Rockwell hardness B100

12.9 hardened steel metric = 176,900 psi tensile strength, Rockwell hardness C38-44

torx are rated even higher at 180,000 psi and I think the triple square bolts are higher yet.

hope this helps,
Speedy

[VINMAN]

Thanks Speed! I guess the info I got was off a bit.