Removing Front Axels

[Tony Hoffman]

I've used heat in the past, but only on the driveshaft bolts. Never had to
on any axles. Then again, the axles are pretty easy to get an impact on, the
driveshaft is nearly impossible.

I just used a standard propane torch, and heated the flange itself where the
bolts thread in. I believe it would take hours if not longer to heat that
flange/CV to the point of damaging the seal. I probably heated it in each of
the six places for about 5 min. So, I guess about 30min total.

Tony

On Sat, Jun 11, 2011 at 6:35 PM, Paul Caouette <paxnobis at gmail.com> wrote:

> These ARE the internal star bolts.  I have used penetrant. Will wait a day
> or so with occasional tapping to see what this might do.
>
> RE Vice Grips. I've certainly had success using Vice Grips on hex head
> bolts
> but.....If I wasn't able to budge one while nearly stripping the internal
> star I can't see how I could muscle enough force using vise grips on the
> smooth exterior...or am I missing something?
>
> Being the third owner I'm wondering if someone might have used Loctite on
> them out of some misplace sense of safety.
>
> ...and the Irwin star extractor seems suited to hex heads ..not internal
> stars......comments pls.
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sat, Jun 11, 2011 at 5:51 PM, John Lagnese <jlagnese at massed.net> wrote:
>
> > Vise grips as tight as possible and then hit the vise grips with a
> > hammer. This has never failed me.
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: quattro-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-bounces at audifans.com]
> > On Behalf Of Paul Caouette
> > Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2011 5:42 PM
> > To: quattro
> > Subject: Removing Front Axels
> >
> > Folks,
> >
> > After 190,000 miles the Avant needs new boots and rebuilding of front
> > axels.....if I can get the inner CV bolts loosened!!
> >
> > Any tricks about how best to accomplish this...before I bugger the star
> > bolts.....would be appreciated.
> >
> > Has anyone ever applied heat (aka torch) sparingly??
> >
> > I know I risk a) fire and b) ruining the inner CV and perhaps
> > transmission
> > seals at the flanges....but what do you do when you can't get them to
> > budge
> > with impact driver or 1/2 inch breaker bar. I fear that I've already
> > messed
> > up one bolt on the passenger side. I suspect drilling it out will really
> > be
> > a pain.
> > _______________________________________________
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> >
> >
>
>
> --
> Paul Caouette
> sv Wild Iris (V40-133)
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