OK, so we all know that doing CV joints suck mostly due to the damn pinch bolt (the one keeping the upper control arms attached to the wheel bearing housing). I just start on a bad CV joint on the passenger side of my '02 A6 3.0L. I have read about a zillion posts on the subject and they all have the same outcome: Use a BFH and/or torch and/or cutting tool, etc. to get the bolt out. The manual says to use VAS 6085, and I found one! Problem is it costs a lot of $$$. I was thinking of buying it and posting on various sites to rent the thing. What do you guys think? Good idea? Would you rent this tool for like $50.00 (along with a substantial deposit) to save the trouble with this bolt and make getting the ball joints out easier and no risk to damaging them?

 

Hell no, just spray some BP blaster on the pinch bolt the night before you work on it. Get the nut off the pinch bolt, then just bang it out with a hammer. Its really not that hard.

 

Oh, if you're worried about damaging the bolt when hammering on it, keep the nut on a few threads so you can bang on that instead.

 

Nice! Never thought about that.... Having the bolt on would protect the bolt and give a bigger target for the BFH.

 

I used one of the ball joint tools from my KD Tools service kit. It work to move the joint up into the upright then I had to cut some different length bolts to continue pushing it out. It worked but took about an hours time to accomplish.

 

I have two BFHs. One is made from brass and the other is lead. But I always use a nut with most of the threads engaged when hammering at a stuck taper.

If I have to use the VBFH I use a piece of wood (Oak) to protect things. The only problem is finding some fool to hold the wood when I swing the hammer.

 

Try making a tool, for pressing out a rusty pinch bolt.