Scott D Foss wrote:

> Dan,
>
> of course by now you know you can undo the outer CV joint screws in place
> with an extension,
> AND, I would like to add 2 things :
>
> 1.  if you have 6 - point allen CV joint scews do not
>   install them back in but instead get the later type
>   12- point allen screws - they never strip out,
> and the 6-pointers always do.

Those strip mainly due to dirt inside, wrench only using half the depth

> 2.  ( well it's going to be more than 2 things )
>    if a CV joint or any allen screw is really stuck,
> before you round it out with your 6 mm allen socket,
> give it some really , really hard whacks with a big ball been hammer -
> that jolt will break the bond of the
> theads making the bolt able to unscrw. 20 whacks, even.
> Usually I hammer on an extension bar, rather than trying to hit the allen
> head screw directly.  This really works.

Impact wrench does it even easyer and prevents stripping
Leon
Subwagen Westy

> The next alternative for a rounded out allen screw is to unscrew it with
> a cold chisel and hammer.  You cut a notch in it and hammer at an angle
> to unscrew it.
> I've spent as much as 30 minutes on one screw in the outer CV's , but
> they can be unscrewed ( and ruined )
> this way.
>
> 3.  HOW TO KEEP ANY CV JOINT ALIVE FOR YEARS AFTER
>   THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BOOT :
>
> go to a motorcylce shop and get motorcycle CHAIN LUBE.
>  this is a very, very sticky penetrating grease,
> and spray it in the hole in the boot, ideally with the
> wheel free to turn so you get it everywhere in there.
>
> I have kept an inner CV joint with a shot boot alive this way on my
> Mercedes for 7 years, and it's a helleva lot harder to replace a boot on
> that car than just undoing screws.
>
> Lastly, make sure the outer Cv joint screws, especially the outers, are
> tight enough.
> Many times these get loose, eventually 5 fall out and then break off the
> 6th one ( if you are unlucky ) and also, the van won't go when this
> happens.
>
>   just be real careful under cars.
>  A FLAT CONCRETE SURFACE, a floor jack, and solid
> JACK STANDS ( never use roll-up ramps ! ! )
>  are essential for any work under the van.
>
>    Scott