Ummm, are we talking about some bolts made of semi-transparent fabric,
like lingerie, or are we talking *shear* bolts, meant to separate when
needed to?

Sorry, the English proctor (proctologist?) in me is acting up tonight.

Ron A

-----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