[2002-09-19 23:19 -0700] Laurence Fahrney (laurence@2WHEELCOMPUTING.COM) wrote:

> So I decided it was time to repack the CV joints and replace the torn boots.
> Got under the beast with a jack and hex-head socket. 4 bolts on the outboard
> side came off just fine. The other two are internally rounded (ie no flats
> for the allen to grab).
> Can't get Visegrips in there. Penetrating oil and/or a torch don't really
> seem to get to the threaded area.
>
> Any good ideas on how to get this thing out? I just got a set of Easy-outs
> so will give them a shot this weekend.
>
> Laurence
> '84 Westy

Well, you've heard plenty of ideas for dealing with the bolts, although
my personal approach is different -- I remove the big bolt holding on
the axle shaft (only do this if you have a 3/4" socket set -- cheap at
Harbor Freight...) and push in the axle shaft so I can get vise grips on
the bolt head.  Drilling is probably easier but I don't have any decent
drill bits!

You said "hex-head socket" and mention "no flats for the allen to grab".
It's important to know that those bolts ARE NOT ALLEN HEAD!  This is
probably item #1 in the Vanagon FAQ.  They're a funny thing often called
a triple-square, any you can buy them from car parts places or any of
the trucks-full-o-tools.  I can't remember the size you need (I think
it's 8mm?) but if you search the archives for "triple square" I think
you'll find the size.

The triple square bits are really sensitive to dirt, so clean the hell
out of the socket in the bolt before using them, and then make sure
you have the bit all the way down into the bolt before applying
pressure.

Good luck!

        Gary