It's called a shear bolt only because its head shears off automatically when
you tighten it to give you the correct amount of torque.  The name has
nothing to do with it shearing in a collision, though it was explained to me
that the correct torque is critical in a collision.  If you look at what the
bolt attaches to, I don't see how it could be that critical, but that is
what I was told.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan Beck" <abeck@NT.SYMPATICO.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2001 10:37 PM
Subject: Re: Heater motor replacement

> 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
> >
>