Topic: 81 U-joints - size of strap bolts?
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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My '81 appears to have the factory bolts holding the U-joint straps to the front drive shaft/tranny yoke. They are the ones with the small 12-point heads. Can anyone confirm the size of the heads? They are larger than a 6mm and smaller than a 7mm, so I am guessing 1/4" SAE, but I don't have SAE 12-point sockets that small. Can anyone confirm the size of those bolt heads before I head out to the tool store?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Should be 1/4" 12 point. Some also have torx type heads(internal)
Be sure to soak those puppies with penetrant(WD-40, etc.) before trying to remove them. They are small, and you can round the heads off very quickly if they are too tight. Then, it's vise-grip/chisel time!
Also, use a small, ball-peen hammer to "tap" squarely on the ends of the bolts before loosening. This will almost always break them loose, making it easier to remove them.
Be sure to soak those puppies with penetrant(WD-40, etc.) before trying to remove them. They are small, and you can round the heads off very quickly if they are too tight. Then, it's vise-grip/chisel time!

Also, use a small, ball-peen hammer to "tap" squarely on the ends of the bolts before loosening. This will almost always break them loose, making it easier to remove them.

Joel Adams
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in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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