Replace CV bolts with regular Allen.. Options

[DougC]

This seems like a no-brainer, but is there any reason not to just use regular allen head bolts (or hex head) to replace the torx or 12star female bolts that are stock on the CV joints? What about the stock wave washers, wouldn't a lock washer work just fine?

Doug C

[Cap'n Krusty]

QUOTE (DougC @ Aug 24 2005, 08:48 AM)

Yea, great idea Bondo.. I'll be going by Elliot's this weekend and pick-up some of these bolts in a longer length and some ny-lock nuts too. But I guess I'll use plain old lock washers 'cause I don't want to make a special order or trip for them. Hope that doesn't come back to haunt me (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/unsure.gif) Doug C

It is interesting to see that the engineering resources of this mostly-amateur forum are collectively smarter than the engineers at Lobro, VW, and Porsche combined. Of course when the research is driven by low cost, you're apt to get different results than when the question of quality and longevity come into play.
The bolts in question are 12.9, and take substantial torque when compared to conventional 8mm bolts (nearly double). They DO NOT sustain a shear load, they hold the joint tight to the flange. The pins take the shear. The washers are used to reduce the potential for the bolts to back out. They depend on UNMARRED plates and the condition of both the curvature of the washer and the ribs on the washers themselves. Bolts stretched from previous overtorquing also contribute to failure.
I see no reason not to use the "old fashioned" inhex bolts, but the triple square bolts are an "upgrade" as internet car people are so fond of saying, and they're easier to torque, as well as causing less wear on the tool. Longer bolts of the SAME STRENGTH may be OK, but the locking nuts don't have a flat and parallel surface on which to seat, and there MAY not be room for them on the outer end of the axle. Split and wavy washers HAVE NO PLACE here.
Don't come looking to me for a used tranny because your axle ate your starter!
The Cap'n