Jeff,

Sheer bolts on the steering column are used as an anti-theft device.
They're supposed to stop thieves from taking apart the steering column to
get around the steering lock mechanism.

As you discovered, they're quite easy to remove with a standard pair of vice
grips.  I usually used a hand help Makita grinder to cut a slot in the bolt,
then I use a large screwdriver to remove the bolts.

BTW:  I always use allen bolts as replacements.

Cheers,

Jeff
www.vanagonparts.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Jeff Oxroad
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2003 11:48 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: sheer bolts/steering column

What is the function of a sheer bolt as in the two that mount the steering
column tube to the bottom side of the dash board.

Bentley says once sheer bolts are removed (drilled out) they must be
replaced
with new sheer bolts. These new bolts are to be tightened until the head
sheers off. Is this to exact the perfect torque or make them difficult to
remove?
Or are they "sheer bolts" because they are designed to sheer off in the
unlikely event of a collision?

FWIW I was able to remove the sheer bolts with vice grips and no drilling.
Now, must I replace the sheer bolts with new sheer bolts or can I reuse the
used
sheer bolts--installing them with vice grips or will regular hex head bolts
suffice?

Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA