My understanding is that the bolts shear off at a particular torque to meet
safety requirements.  If under-tightened, they will work loose and you'll
have the steering column flopping around in your lap.  If over-tightened, in
the event of a front end collision, they will not allow the steering column
to move and you will be at risk of greater bodily harm.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "Patrick Bryson" <patrickb@extremezone.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, June 16, 2000 3:42 PM
Subject: Re: Shear Bolts?

> Marc,
> 1.  Shear bolts are bolts with a gripping head that breaks off at a
specific
> torque.  I believe this is done as a theft deterrent.
> 2.  Replace with new shear bolts from dealer or FLAPS.
> 3.  I don't know a specific procedure but I would start with a small drill
> and move up until at least the head of the bolt is gone.  You have to be
> careful not to damage the threads in the mating components.
>
> That is all I know.  Best of luck
> Patrick
> '85 Westy
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Marc Perdue <marcperdue@adelphia.net>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Saturday, June 17, 2000 11:52 AM
> Subject: Shear Bolts?
>
>
> > Hi all,
> >
> > I'm in the middle of removing my dash to fix the heater blower fan
> > bearings, and a few other things long as I'm in there.  On page 70.5 of
> > my Bentley manual (for my '87 Westy), the instructions say that, in
> > order to get the steering column out, I need to drill out the shear
> > bolts that attach it just below the ignition switch.
> >
> > My questions:
> > 1. What are shear bolts?
> > 2. If I drill these out, what do I replace them with and where do I get
> > them?
> > 3. What is the recommended procedure for doing this?  Any particular
> > size constraints on the drill bit?
> > 4. Are they like rivets where you use a small bit to drill out the
> > center then the rest just comes apart?
> > 5. Is there a special tool that is required to re-install these shear
> > bolts?
> >
> > Think I'll go install the speakers in the front doors while I await word
> > from you all.  I'd hate to think of drilling those shear bolts out just
> > to find that I'd need to take the van somewhere to get them replaced . .
> > .  :^)
> >
> > Thanks all,
> > Marc Perdue
> >
>