Hi,

When Bentley writes something like that, it is for two reasons.

1/ It is prudent to replace the part for your own personal safety and
security.

2/ His reputation depends on not reccomending things that could
kill you, such as a shear bolt that he knows nothing about,
shearing and falling apart while you are driving and trying to steer.

Are you absolutely certian you understand all the metalurgy behind
that shear bolt? It may look OK, but is it? You did have to apply
rotational torque to remove it, who says that does not affect the
bolt somehow.

The airline industry goes to extreme measures to try to detect
shear stress on metal, and even they have a failure rate.

I know I am on a soapbox here, but for a few dollars you can have
the peace of mind of knowing the right part is in place and your
chances are better.

Call me paranoid, because, I am!!!!

I am very big on safety.

Alan

On 20 Mar 01, at 11:09, KENWILFY@AOL.COM wrote:

> I agree with Jim on reusing the steering column bolts.  They are not tight
> enough for the tension on them to have changed the characteristics of the
> bolt itself (it is supposed to shear when you are in an accident).  Most
> likely the Bentley recommends replacing them because they are destroying them
> when removing them.  If you use a good pair of "Vice-Grip" brand grips you
> come out very easy.  The main thing is to NOT replace them with normal bolts
> as this could cause serious problems in an accident (steering column not
> collapsing and spearing the driver).
>
>
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com
> Phone: (856)-765-1583
> Fax: (856)-327-2242
>