Fellow vanagonites:

Sometimes the description of the tools needed for CV removal and
installation is incomplete and/or confusing.  I have not done the
complete process yet, but have disassembled several joints lately in
pulling transmissions from parts vans.

The CV joint bolts are unscrewed and tightened by either:

1) a 6mm Allen wrench, or

2) a 8mm 12 point "star" wrench.

All Allen wrenches, no matter what their size, have 6 points or corners
in that they are shaped like a hexagon, but they are not torx wrenches
with a 6 point star.  There is no socket involved. The hexagonal end of
the Allen wrench fits into a hexagonal hole in the end of the bolt that
is often used to hold the CV boots and joints in place.

The 12 point "star" wrench used for the other type of bolt actually
comes in different sizes just like Allen wrench.  The end of the tool is
basically round with 12 ridges forming the "star."  These fit in 12
grooves inside the head of the bolt.  The size that is used for the CV
joint bolts is 8mm.  Not 6mm like the Allen wrench for these bolts -
these are too small.  10mm or larger 12 point tools will not work as
they are too large.

If you start with the Allen wrench and feel the 6mm Allen wrench
slipping inside the head of a bolt, odds are that it is a "star" headed
bolt.  Do not continue, one slip and you should quit and change tools.
You will have stripped it out to some degree, but I found that a few
solid whacks of the star tool into the bolt head would seat it the star
wrench and I could get it out.  On the outer boots, I had to use several
extensions so that I could get an end to pound on.

Hope this helps someone understand precisely what tools they need for
this task.

Sam Walters