Why are my bolts loose?

[John U]

I went to remove my right side driveshaft in order to remove my crossover pipe.
The bolts on the driveshaft at the gearbox were all loose. Some I could turn by hand!
Anyone seen this before?
Should I be using loctite upon reinstalling?
Thanks
John U

[Mike Griese]

Don't use loctite, but do use a torque wrench.

[David T]

Someone must have removed those bolts at some point in the past. As per ST-09-7/81 the torque spec is M10 x 17 Shaft to inner and outer drive shafts, 30 Ft/Lbs or 40 N/M. I don't think you need to use thread-locker. Check all of the bolts on both sides and the boots for cuts, rips, and tears. Do not allow the shaft to drop or hang from one side, you will bend the cup that secures the boot.

[John U]

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking it may have been a previous owner that didn't tighten them. Boots are all fine.
Will a socket even fit on there in order to use a torque wrench?

[Bitsyncmaster]

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking it may have been a previous owner that didn't tighten them. Boots are all fine.
Will a socket even fit on there in order to use a torque wrench?

A socket won't fit. You can use a crows foot or replace the bolts with "Allen" head.

I had to use a crows foot with an impact wrench to get mine out.

[Josh]

A socket won't fit. You can use a crows foot or replace the bolts with "Allen" head.

Weird... I used a socket and extension to remove my axles the other day.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Weird... I used a socket and extension to remove my axles the other day.

Could not get a socket on mine. Maybe my sockets are to thick walled.

[SS Spoiler]

You have to rotate the shaft to a point where the
socket will slip on....

[DMC-81]

I'm refurbing my drive axles right now, and I saw evidence of red locktite on the original bolts. Also, this similar CV (VW) rebuild thread:http://volksweb.relitech.com/cvjoints.htm says to use thread locker.

After my very first car (a VW) had the bolts back out, I plan to use at least blue locktite. When I think about it, the axles and CV joints are under constant motion and stresses.

[DMCMW Dave]

You can get a high quality thinwall socket on the axle flange bolts. Not an impact, and not some crummy Harbor Freight specials.