dodecagonal drive shaft bolt!

[Pesky jones]

So im replacing my springs all round tomorrow, and am going to take out the drive shaft bolt in order to get enough room to pull the suspension strut out of the pinch.

now, I know the drive shaft bolts are single use.

I've just been to pick up the two new drive shaft bolts and the two single use pinch bolts. The two pinch bolts are as expected - m14 spline. I have this tool

The two drive shaft bolts are apparently now (since 2008) dodecagonal heads 

a) why change them, the standard hex head was just fine!? I expect its because they don't want anyone doing work themselves

b) where can I get the right socket for this, tomorrow morning (sat)

c)can I re use the drive shaft bolts in at the moment until I get the right socket head?

if I cant do b or c, il just have to try to get the strut out without removing the hub bolt. I wonder if I take out the three knuckle bolts at the bottom whether this will be enough.

Thanks.

[horsemeat]

Just recently changed a CV joint and had the same prob

a) I think you've nailed it. Same reason the gearbox fill requires a tamper proof spline. 

b) I have a set of bog standard sockets from Halfords which have the 12pt pattern, they're meant to work on regular hex. I think you could get one separately. I was a bit worried it wouldn't hold up to the torque but it did the job. Speaking of torque check which bolts you have, contrary to most of what I've read not all 12pt bolts require the same torque. See bottom of this page:

http://workshop-manuals.com/volkswagen/golf-mk5/running_gear_axles_steering/front_suspension_drive_shafts/removing_and_installing_drive_shafts/removing_and_installing_right_drive_shaft_with_%28push-on%29_constant_velocity_slip_joint/

c) Honestly don't know. I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that but I'm not very experienced so I stick to what the book says.

[doylebros]

This thread is worth a read http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,89537.msg906354/topicseen.html#msg906354

[v4rley]

Could you undo the driveshaft from the box? Although they use splines and not sure you got them?

[Pesky jones]

Picked one up that fits for 7 pound. Cheers guys. Is it not the same torque as others - 200nm