What is the function of a sheer bolt as in the two that mount the steering
column tube to the bottom side of the dash board.

Bentley says once sheer bolts are removed (drilled out) they must be replaced
with new sheer bolts. These new bolts are to be tightened until the head
sheers off. Is this to exact the perfect torque or make them difficult to remove?
Or are they "sheer bolts" because they are designed to sheer off in the
unlikely event of a collision?

FWIW I was able to remove the sheer bolts with vice grips and no drilling.
Now, must I replace the sheer bolts with new sheer bolts or can I reuse the used
sheer bolts--installing them with vice grips or will regular hex head bolts
suffice?

Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA