Removing the crank bolt

[unknownmale]

This weekend I wanted to replace the crank seal, if any of you have tried removing the crank bolt you'll know what a pain it is.

I first tried a pulley holder tool with pins in, the pins snapped off.

Then I tried the breaker bar/ Bump the starter trick...Just lifted the car up.

Then I tried a blow torch on the bolt and a 1/2 impact gun...Still nothing

So I bought some flat bar and made this;



Might not be pretty but it did the job. Used a 1/2 breaker bar and 3 foot extension. I'm not sure what their torqued at from the factory, but after 30 years and some rust it felt like 500nm.

I've seen the VW tool for this for £50, so for £5 this is a much better option incase anyone is stuck!

[mark1gls]

Good tip... Not had to remove my bolt yet but I’ve a small oil leak so a job I may have to do soon....

[unknownmale]

Do some stretches first!, that bend in the tool was from loosening the bolt

[mark1gls]

It is done up tight to bend the bar...
I do have a 6ft scaffolding bar which I use to undo the front hub nuts so I may have to dig that out.

[Nuckleduster]

I`m glad to see that I am not the only one to resort to the 6 ft scaffold pole when a little extra leverage is needed--did the oil seals recently and had to resort to my trusty pole to get the bolts undone--preferably use an impact socket onthe bolt as ordinary sockets will shatter under the leverage.
Gerry

[liam_0404]

The Haynes says to torque them to 80Nm? I wanted to swap my cam over but didn't have the new seal, tried to take the old Crank bolt out, couldn't so gave up, put the old Crank back in!

Can't see the pic you've uploaded as I'd like to know how you removed it!

Liam.

[mark1gls]

Picture works for me on my PC, google chrome and the i-pad....

[liam_0404]

Mine only works on Internet Explorer, but not chrome, my god what has happened?!

Did you use the bar as a stop or just to steady everything?

Liam

[unknownmale]

Bar was bolted to the toothed crank pulley, I then turned the bolt counter clockwise until the bar hit the ground, then put a 3 foot extension on the breaker bar. Wouldn't have been possible for me to hold the bar and loosen, far too tight.

[mark1gls]

unknownmale...... "Patent Pending"...

[unknownmale]

V2.0 is going to have an induction heater on it and be 10ft long our of 1/4 HSS...Maybe with a torch and a clock on it.