If you have to,,, buy a socket,, me I just tighten till stripped then back off a1/4 turn :grin2:

 

I've never torqued these nuts/bolts when I've had to drop the prop shaft, and I've never had an issue. Well, unless you count a "Tennessee torque wrench" as a real tool :wink2: .

Seriously, I tighten them evenly to the extent possible, because as you say, they're difficult to get a bite on with a socket and regular combination wrench. I've ground down the jaws on a wrench I use specifically for this job, and also use a thin-wall socket, and even with those you cannot get a 100% lockdown on these 9mm oddball fasteners.

Wish I could find 9mm hex socket bolts in a 10.9 property grade... I sure would snap them up with new nylok nuts! But so far, I cannot find them. That's what should be used in this application, really.

 

The 9mm bolts are available in Europe

Wish I could find 9mm hex socket bolts in a 10.9 property grade... I sure would snap them up with new nylok nuts! But so far, I cannot find them. That's what should be used in this application, really.

Most of the European suppliers seem to carry the 9mm bolts in a hardened steel grade. Not sure if they are actually grade 10.9, but they are definitely hardened and black.

I got my new ones from Alfaholics (U.K.), but Classic Alfa (U.K.) and Alfa Service (Germany) also list them in their online stores. They all have the mating nuts too.

 

A Snap On chrome 3/8" drive 13mm socket will fit on the head of the bolt. Use a snap on wobble 3/8" extension to attach the ratchet to the socket.

 

A Snap On chrome 3/8" drive 13mm socket will fit on the head of the bolt.

Thanks for the tip Jim. I just ordered a 6-point one. It will be here in 4 days. Hopefully it will work with one of my HF 3/8 wobble extensions.

Thanks there Norseman... but what I really want is 9mm socket head capscrews. If anyone has a source on these, I really think it would be advantageous for all of us.

Oh. I missed the 'cap screw' part. The kind that accepts an allen wrench (like the ones used in the seat rails). Now I get it. Yeah, I know. Finding anything with an M9 thread domestically is next to impossible.

 

You been in my tool box there Jim?? That's exactly what I use! How 'bout that... :smile2:

 

I've been using that set up with a Snap on 3/8" drive impact gun since 1988. I've never had any come loose.

There a lot of tricks you learn or figure out for yourself when you work on them for a living. Especially when your on flat rate.

I love flat rate!!!

 

Thanks there Norseman... but what I really want is 9mm socket head capscrews. I located the hex heads alright. If anyone has a source on these, I really think it would be advantageous for all of us.

 

Jim,
I got the Snap-On 3/8 drive socket in the mail and it worked great with my HF wobble extension. Thanks for the suggestion. I had no idea there was such a big difference in the O.D.'s of sockets from different manufacturers.
Your tip was a big help. Thanks again!