Cv Bolts, 3/8-24 X 1-3/4, 6 Point Allen Head, 6 Pack

Product Overview: High-Performance CV Bolt Solutions

When you are pushing the limits of your air-cooled Volkswagen on the dunes or the drag strip, the last thing you want to worry about is a catastrophic CV joint failure. These EMPI 3/8-24 x 1-3/4 inch CV bolts are engineered for high-torque applications where stock metric hardware simply cannot keep up. Crafted from hardened aircraft-quality steel, these bolts provide the shear strength and tensile integrity required for high-performance transaxles and heavy-duty off-road use. Whether you are running a high-horsepower sand rail, a rugged Baja Bug, or a performance street Beetle, upgrading to standard 3/8-24 hardware is a proven method to ensure your drivetrain remains intact under the most demanding conditions. This 6-pack provides enough hardware for one side of a single CV joint, allowing for precise replacement and maintenance of your drive axles.

The 6-point Allen head design is a favorite among VW enthusiasts and professional builders alike because it allows for high torque application in tight spaces where a traditional hex head might be inaccessible. By utilizing a 3/8-24 fine thread, these bolts offer superior clamping force compared to many coarse-thread alternatives, ensuring that your CV joints stay mated to the drive flanges even when subjected to extreme vibration and heat. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that reliability is everything when you are miles away from the nearest pavement. That is why we offer these EMPI hardened bolts, which are designed to resist stretching and stripping, giving you the peace of mind that your power is being efficiently transferred to the ground. Don''t settle for hardware store grade bolts when your vehicle''s performance and safety are on the line; trust the aircraft-quality engineering that has made EMPI a staple in the VW community for decades.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

These 3/8-24 CV bolts are specifically designed for aftermarket and high-performance applications. Please note that these are NOT stock metric replacements for standard 8mm or 10mm Volkswagen hardware. They are commonly used in the following configurations:

• Custom Sand Rails and Dune Buggies: Ideal for vehicles utilizing aftermarket mid-engine or rear-engine transaxles set up for 3/8-24 hardware.
• Baja Bugs: Perfect for off-road Beetles equipped with Type 2 (92mm) or 930 (108mm) CV conversion kits that have been tapped for standard 3/8-24 bolts.
• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle & Karmann Ghia: Compatible with performance drive flanges and high-strength axle kits using SAE threading.
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus (1950-1979): Used in heavy-duty bus applications where the stock CV flanges have been upgraded to 3/8-24 threads for increased durability.
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: Excellent for modified Things requiring heavy-duty driveline components for off-road trekking.
• Aftermarket Transaxles: Fits many Mendeola, Fortin, and Weddle transaxle drive flanges configured for 3/8-24 bolts.

Technical Specifications

• Thread Pitch: 3/8-24 (Fine Thread).
• Bolt Length: 1-3/4 Inches (Under head to end of threads).
• Head Style: 6-Point Internal Allen (Hex) Drive.
• Material Grade: Hardened Aircraft Quality High-Tensile Steel.
• Quantity: 6 Bolts per package (Enough for one CV joint face).
• Finish: Black Oxide coating for corrosion resistance and lubrication retention.
• Application: High-performance CV joint mounting for Type 1, Type 2, and 930 CV joints.

Pro Tips from the Appletree Specialist

Tip 1: The Importance of the "Star" Torque Pattern

When installing these high-strength bolts, never tighten them in a circular sequence. To ensure the CV joint seats perfectly flat against the flange and to prevent uneven stress on the threads, always use a star pattern (cross-pattern). Tighten them in three stages: first to a snug hand-tightness, then to 50% of the final torque, and finally to the full recommended torque specification. This prevents the CV grease from being squeezed out unevenly and ensures a vibration-free drive.

Tip 2: Thread Preparation and Cleanliness

Before installing your new EMPI bolts, it is absolutely critical to clean the internal threads of your drive flanges using a dedicated thread chaser or brake cleaner and compressed air. Even a small amount of old grease or grit trapped in the hole can cause a "hydraulic lock" or false torque reading, leading to a bolt that feels tight but is actually loose. For off-road applications, many builders prefer using a small drop of blue (medium strength) thread locker to ensure these bolts don''t back out during the intense vibrations of trail riding.

Tip 3: Regularly Inspect for Bolt "Stretch" and Backing

In high-articulation environments, such as long-travel sand rails, CV bolts are subjected to massive leverage. We recommend marking the head of each bolt with a paint pen after they are torqued. This allows for a quick visual inspection during your pre-ride check; if the paint marks no longer line up, you know a bolt has started to move. Because these are aircraft-quality hardened bolts, they are designed to be extremely rigid, but checking them after the first few hours of hard use is a "must-do" for any serious VW enthusiast.