Date:         Sat, 31 May 2025 09:46:29 -0700
Reply-To:     Rick Cooper <rick@WEBLEAF.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rick Cooper <rick@WEBLEAF.CA>
Subject:      CV Joint bolts, washers, gasket

I rebuilt my CV joints about a year ago.  A few days ago I noticed that some of the bolts had come loose so I am removing, repacking with new grease and reinstalling.

My question is about the fasteners and torque specification.  When I installed them a year ago, I used the cork gasket that came with the new joint.  I tried to installed the large cupped 'washer' that I think goes on the axle side of each joint, but I couldn't get the joint on with it so I did not install it.  Is that why my bolts came loose?

I read on thesamba that you should not install the cork washer (unless there is a groove for it) since it will shrink -- maybe that's why my bolts came loose?

I also used the serated washers that were originally on the van (my joint kit included new bolts but no washers).  Why would the new kit not include the serated washers?  Are they no longer recommended?

Finally last time I torqued the bolts to 33 ft lbs but did not use blue loctite as some (on the samba) have done.  Should I be using loctite?

I'd really like to avoid the bolts coming loose.  Any advice much appreciated.

Rick