Driveshaft bolts

[jswagger]

Hi,

Problem with my driveshaft bolts.

I had to change both driveshaft gaiters on the nearside driveshaft back in May and I used the new bolts (Torx head) that came with the kit from GSF. Torqued all twelve bolts up to 33lbf ft as per the Haynes manual and everything has been ok till this Saturday when away in Suffolk there was a loud clunk from the van and no drive. Had a look under the van and the driveshaft bolts at the gearbox end had all come loose resulting in the shaft dropping down. I managed to get the bolts done back up and drove slowly to the campsite. Once there I checked the bolts
at the wheel end and these were finger tight too! Anyway tightened up and drove slowly home today.

What can I do to stop this happening again? Should I use threadlock, not mentioned in the Haynes so I didn't use it.
Any other ideas (new torque wrench!)

Thanks

[Aidan]

did you fit the serated washers and spreader plates ? new washers only 8p each, threadlock not required but maybe torque wrench needs calibrating ?

[jswagger]

did you fit the serated washers and spreader plates ? new washers only 8p each, threadlock not required but maybe torque wrench needs calibrating ?

Thanks for the rpely,

Yes I did fit the serated washers and spreader plates. Torque wrench isn't very old but I will borrow one from a friend to compare.

[CovKid]

Not sure you need a torque wrench - just do them up very tight. Washers crucial I agree.

[gti mad man]

Use genuine ones from vw about 80p each they dotn rounds off maybe add a drop off thread lock then correctly torque?

[Ian Hulley]

Or M8 x 50mm 12.9 Socket Head Capscrews which are available from any good fastener supplier.

Ian

[tonytech]

What condition are your CV joints in? New grease?
The bolts on my Bay window used to work loose over a month or so, turned out it was because the joints were knackered and the vibration was shaking the bolts loose.

T

[Red Westie]

Threadlock fluid would be the professionals choice.

Something like:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Loctite-Lock-N-Se ... dZViewItem" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

[jswagger]

Thanks for all your replies.

The CV joints seemed fine and I used new grease on both ends.

Will using different bolts work? The ones I used came with the kit so if they rattle free won't any others as they will be the same size? (sorry if this is a dumb question)

Thanks again.

[CovKid]

If they're tight, with serated washers in place, those shafts won't be going anywhere. I tend to tighten to the point where I think "Anymore and I'll strip the head out". THEN they're tight enough.

Good practice after refitting shafts to have a cursory check within a day or so - just to make sure. I've had em come loose too so they're done up EXTRA tight now.

[jswagger]

Just to update.

I bought new driveshaft bolts from GSF (hex not torx or spline head) and 50 miles later they are still tight. Will check in another 50 miles.

Thanks for all the help.