[s-cars] Crank Bolt From Hell (lessons learned)

[Bob Rossato]

I would tend to agree.  For what it's worth, the two timing belts that
I've done with the 3256 crank lock tool and a 3/4" dr, 40" long breaker
bar have been a piece of cake.  Breaking loose the bolt was not that
difficult at all.  While I had gotten a replacement crank sprocket just
in case, the sprocket on both cars were fine and we didn't bother
replacing them.  Both cars had around 65k miles on them at the time.  I
think having a 3/4" dr socket and appropriately sized breaker bar are
key.  I've loaned it to two other folks and they also had no problems
removing the bolt.  Maybe yours was tighter than normal but I think the
controlled application of torque with a 3/4" dr. breaker bar helps a
lot.

My only concern with the 3256 crank lock is that, due to the way it's
held in place with a long cantilevered bolt, it flexes too much when
trying to loosen the crank bolt.  It's a little disconcerting.  But this
is easily remedied by supporting the tool with a 10" piece of wood
wedged between the tool and the crossframe below the radiator.  Flex
isn't so much of a problem when torquing the bolt.

As for where to get a crank sprocket, you might want to try SJM or Tim
LeClair.  I got mine from Clair Audi for $45.  My local Audi dealer
(Hoffmans) wanted $75.  I don't know what they're smoking but I want
some.

Bob

> -----Original Message-----
> From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com 
> [mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Tom Mullane
> Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 7:52 PM
> To: russell.s.southerlin at lmco.com
> Cc: s-car-list at audifans.com
> Subject: RE: [s-cars] Crank Bolt From Hell (lessons learned)
> 
> Russ, 
> 
> Sounds like a fun time.
> 
> I disagree with you about the impact gun.  The gun is tough 
> on the clutch,
> trans, and possibly the rod bearings.  Sometimes ya gotta do 
> what ya gotta
> do to get things apart, but the impact is a last resort for 
> me.  I wonder if
> the key was cracked by the impact gun?  I've seen them 
> damaged, but usually
> when the bolt is too loose - obviously not an issue in your case ;-)
> 
> Tom
> 
> 
> <snip>
> Now for the lessons learned.  I believe the safest way to 
> remove the crank
> bolt is the impact wrench.  I believe if I had continued to apply more
> torque to the bolt with a bigger breaker bar it would have 
> sheared off the
> keyway and possibly spun the crank - not a good day no matter 
> how you look
> at it.  Next time I will acquire a 3/4 inch impact by renting 
> or borrowing.
> The impact only applies the force right at the bolt head and it is not
> reacted through the harmonic balancer and keyway.  The proper 
> tool (3056?
> tool) or my home made tool reacts the torque through the 
> harmonic balancer
> and keyway which is not designed to take 800ft-lbs.
> 
> <snip>
> 
> Russ
> 95.5 S6
> Castle Rock, CO
> 
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