Weee... doing a clutch job
 

Me and my grandpa are trying to drop the tranny of my 4000csq and the cvs are not coming out. The star shaped bolts are rounding out. When he used vicegrips, it just shaved metal of the bolts. We did get three out on the right side though, but the others are stuck. Any one who has done this before?

Re: Weee... doing a clutch job
 

You are using an 8mm 12point or triple square bit right? Sometimes they'll strip even with the correct tool. I've been forced to use channel locks once or twice. They seem to bite better than vice grips. Hitting the bolt heads with a hammer might crack them loose as well.

Hope this helps and good luck!
-Derek
'86 4000cstq
'84 GTi 2.0 x-flow

You need a special tool, which doesn't always work, either.
 

Those bolts are a really stupid design. While they're out, you should get the same size bolts with regular hex heads on them, or allen wrench head cap screws. Anyway, here's how I did it on my Fox(which I just got finished with):

I used the biggest vise grips I could find, as tight as they would possibly go. I ended up having to use a pair of channel locks to close them, but that was the only way I could get enough clamping force on the bolt to break it loose. Also, DO NOT use heat, since you're working so close to the rubber boot and the grease inside.

Vicegrip special!!
 

I've done the same thing with vice grips!!
As a last resort, I've drilled out the head with 2 different sized bits.

In order to prevent stripping, I'll sit at the side of the car by the wheel well, use a 3foot 1/2" drive extension that extends all the way from the strut to the inner c.v.

Clamp the axle with a vicegrip to prevent it rotating, insert the extension and triple square bit in the c.v., give the end of the extension a good bang with a hammer so it's inserted in the c.v. all the way, attach a breaker bar for maximum control, and you'll be suprised how easy they come out!!

I've done about 20 Audi axles this way!

Also, if you're pulling the trans, you should pull the axles completely out so you have lots of wiggle room. And make sure you have the flywheel resurfaced, I did'nt do it on my first coupe and after a month the clutch chatterd really bad.
While your at it you should change the rear main seal and the pilot bearing in the flywheel.

I once changed an auto trans on an '88 200 (5k turbo) What a nightmare, I literally had to take the car halfway apart!!

If you didn't use the triple square (and I think you didn't) you could do the follow.
 

1. Combine the vise grip with a bigger bit (allen, torx, or triple square) hammered in the bolt heat. Applying both at the same time.

2. Drill the center and use one of these square bolt removers hammered in it. This is a bit risky if you don't drill perfectly. It can break/split the bolt.

3. Clean the bolt and weld a pin to it that will give you leverage.

Good lucks,

CS

ps. I used all three at some point. The triple square just desintegrated the bolt's head.

I have the 12 point star fitting and it didn't work

Thanks for the advice, I'll go try it out now.