Re: quattro-digest V3 #1163

[baselope@netwide.net (Robert Riley)]

>My Problem: The allen key hole (6mm) in the fourth allen bolt on the
>vibration damper is history. When I tried to remove it, it was evident that
>it was re-installed with a slightly rounded hole rather than being replaced
>by the Audi mechanic. My attempts to remove it were futile. The hole is now
>completely round. I have used Liquid Wrench, impact driver, Visegrips,
>etc., to no avail. The allen bolt is recessed between the vibration damper
>and a raised area on which the crank bolt sits. Can hardly get a large pair
>of Visegrips in there with almost no rotating movement to turn the bolt. Of
>course, I have a number of obligations in the next week that require this
>car.
>
>Suggested Solution???
Buy the (10-12 pt)? tool that you use to take the bolts out of the 
transmission side of of a CV joint.  Use a hammer to drive it into the 
6mm hole.  If possible, use a propane torch to heat the bolt first.  Then 
throw a ratchet and extension on it and back it out!

This trick has worked many times on 6mm allen head bolts that I have 
encountered.  I usually have trouble getting them out of the fly-wheel 
pulley on VW rabbits and the like.  This has always been a life saver 
when nothing else would work.