cv shaft bolt head stripped

[mazdaverx7]

this is a problem. last night when i was removing the bolts that hold the cv shaft on, i discovered that three of the allen type heads were stripped. this was done prior to me working on the car. they were 8mm heads and now they're...uh round. the car is a 92 with the 3vz and a 5 speed. i suspect a similar problem will rear its ugly head on the passenger side. if i cant get those bolts out, i cant change my clutch. i considered cutting the heads off and then with heat and a small pipe wrench, turning the "stud" out. any thoughts or suggestions ould be most appreciated.

[JetspeedCamry]

This wont help that problem...but, if you want to change your clutch...just pull the entire shaft out from the gearbox. Its the way ive done mine.

[LE05]

if you have a dremel or a similiar rotary tool or even a hack saw, notch the top of the bolt so you can use a flat-head screwdriver.

[mazdaverx7]

i wasn't sure if it was splined and had a circlip on the other end like a "normal" cv shaft. i was thinking it was like an audi i had and the cv was held on strictly by allen headed tye of bolts.

[mazdaverx7]

Originally Posted by LE05

if you have a dremel or a similiar rotary tool or even a hack saw, notch the top of the bolt so you can use a flat-head screwdriver.

i had considered that but the bolts are VERY tight. i had to use a small cheater pipe on the handle of my wratchet to get the other bolts loose while the wife stood on the brake pedal. im not sure if this would work. i did consider it though. i have some big flat heads.

[JetspeedCamry]

One (the shorter one) has the small circlip on the end...but its simple to the shaft out...you just need to tap it out .. it will disengage no problem. The two methods ive used is to tap it with a rubber hammer from under the car....or use a pole from the top of the car and tap that with a hammer...Make sure you drain your gbox oil first of course

[mazdaverx7]

what would i tap on? the shaft itself? there isnt a lip on the shaft near the gearbox to tap on. i would definatly do this though!!!

[JetspeedCamry]

In this pic of a drive shaft....



You can see on the right hand side...thats the spline that engages into the gearbox.
I just tap the larger section a bit further left of it....you can't miss it.



Note...not a Camry drivshaft picture hehe

[mazdaverx7]

ok, that makes sense. i can do that. if the passenger side bolt heads are stripped, i think i'll have to cut the heads. thank you for the advise!

[mazdaverx7]

i should throw up a pic tomorrow to show clearance issues.

[Gary_602Z]

Irwin makes a female type easy-out. Go to Auto-Zone and pick up a set they work wonders!

Gary

[mazdaverx7]

using thosewould be tough. the bolts are hardened and it would be difficult to drill them to fit the easy out in the pilot hole. but, it is always an option.