flywheel and pressure plate bolts reusable?

**Gipson** · 09-08-2011, 12:21 AM

I'm in the process of fitting a 4speed from a shagged 1.6 engine to a good engine that originally had an auto box here, just wondering if the flywheel and pressure plate bolts had to be replaced or can they be reused?
from what I can see the bentley says to clean and reassemble the originals, is this correct?

**Golf Loon** · 09-08-2011, 12:43 AM

You should be fine to reuse the bolts mate, just do em up tight.

**Preen59** · 09-08-2011, 01:16 AM

Technically you can reuse them, but if they look pretty tired i'd look at replacing them while you're going. It's not like they're all that expensive and it's nice peace of mind.

**Volksee77** · 09-08-2011, 02:11 AM

no worries reusing them Dan but I recommend some thread loack as you don't want them falling out

**gldgti** · 09-08-2011, 09:16 AM

yeah, blue thread lock is the stuff

also helps get them undone the next time.

**alex g** · 09-08-2011, 10:16 AM

the amount of torque they spec i would and do replace them.

**Valver.** · 09-08-2011, 10:45 AM

They're actually stretch bolts and should always be replaced as per OE manual. For a few bucks, it's better than the flywheel sheering through your firewall (has happened before!!!)

Camshaft cap nuts are another one to add to the list, and people always seem to recycle these, despite the correct torque being so important!

**Tim** · 09-08-2011, 11:28 AM

as above dont mess with flywheel bolts. Theyre so cheap to replace

**wai** · 09-08-2011, 11:36 AM

Bolts that are tensioned (i.e. not tensioned to make a gasket seal as in a head gasket) are normally tensioned to what is called the 0.2% proof stress. This is a torque that produces tension in the bolt such that when it is relieved, there is a 0.2% permanent increase in bolt length.

As such, it is always recommended to replace the bolts as to take it to the same tension value again will result in a little more strain and permanent elongation.

You can get away with using them again, however for the cost involved makes it not worth the risk.

On the flywheel however, you might want to check that the two have the same part number as the flywheel for an auto and manual can be quite different.