Cv Bolts, 3/8-24 X 1-3/4, 12 Point External, 6 Pack

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing your air-cooled beast to the limit, whether it''s carving through sand dunes in a rail or launching off the line in a street-legal Beetle, the last thing you want to worry about is a CV bolt failure. These EMPI high-performance CV bolts are engineered for the most demanding environments, providing the peace of mind that only hardened aircraft-quality hardware can offer. Unlike standard grade bolts that can stretch or shear under high torque loads, these 3/8-24 fine-thread fasteners are designed to maintain maximum clamping force across your drive flanges. The 12-point external head design is a massive upgrade over traditional internal Allen-head bolts, offering significantly more surface area for your socket to grip. This reduces the risk of rounding off heads during installation or removal, which is a common headache when working in the cramped, grease-filled environment of a rear transaxle.

Each pack contains six precision-machined bolts, providing exactly what you need to secure a single CV joint to its flange. Measuring 1-3/4 inches in length, these bolts are the go-to choice for off-roaders and racers who have upgraded their drive gear to 3/8-inch hardware for superior strength. The fine-thread pitch allows for precise torque settings, ensuring that your CV joints stay seated even when subjected to the extreme vibrations and heat cycles of high-performance driving. At Appletree Automotive, we know that the smallest components often make the biggest difference in reliability; that''s why we recommend these EMPI 12-point bolts for anyone looking to over-build their drivetrain and eliminate a known weak point in the Volkswagen power transfer system.

FITMENT

• Custom Sand Rails: Ideal for high-horsepower builds using 3/8-inch converted drive flanges.
• Dune Buggies: Perfect for off-road applications where dirt and debris make internal-hex bolts difficult to service.
• VW Beetle (Type 1): Fits modified transaxles and stub axles equipped with 3/8-24 tapped holes.
• VW Bus (Type 2): Compatible with heavy-duty off-road conversion kits utilizing 3/8-inch hardware.
• Manx-Style Buggies: A must-have for performance transaxles and high-angle CV joint setups.
• Race Applications: Suitable for any air-cooled VW drivetrain requiring high-tensile strength fasteners.

SPECS

• Thread Pitch: 3/8-24 (Fine Thread).
• Length: 1-3/4 Inches (Under Head to End).
• Head Style: 12-Point External Drive.
• Material: Hardened Aircraft-Quality Steel.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant coating for longevity.
• Quantity: Sold as a 6-Pack (Enough for one CV joint).
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 16-2412-0.

PRO TIPS

1. Clean Threads for Accurate Torque

Before installing these high-performance bolts, it is absolutely critical to clean the internal threads of your drive flanges and stub axles. CV grease is notorious for migrating into the bolt holes, which can lead to hydraulic lock or inaccurate torque readings. Use a high-quality brake cleaner and a small wire brush or compressed air to ensure the holes are bone-dry. When you apply your torque wrench, you want to be measuring the actual stretch of the bolt, not the friction caused by trapped grease or debris. This ensures the 3/8-24 threads provide the maximum clamping force intended by the engineers at EMPI.

2. The 12-Point Advantage in the Field

One of the biggest reasons we recommend 12-point external heads over traditional Allen heads is for ease of maintenance in the field. Internal hex bolts often get packed with hardened mud, grease, and sand, making it nearly impossible to seat an Allen key deeply enough to prevent stripping. With these external 12-point bolts, a standard 12-point socket can easily bite onto the head even if the area is dirty. If you''re doing a trail-side CV boot replacement or axle swap, you''ll be incredibly grateful you made the switch to this head style. Always carry a dedicated 12-point socket in your tool bag to match these fasteners.

3. Use the Star Pattern and Re-Torque

To ensure your CV joint sits perfectly flush against the flange, always tighten these bolts in a star pattern, similar to how you would tighten the lug nuts on a wheel. Start by hand-threading all six bolts to ensure no cross-threading occurs, then snug them down in stages. Once fully torqued to your specific application requirements, we highly recommend a ''''settling'''' period. After your first heat cycle or off-road run, crawl back under the vehicle and check the torque again. Fasteners in high-vibration areas like the drivetrain can occasionally settle, and a quick double-check can prevent a catastrophic failure on the trail or track.