Unfortunately, we still regularly see standard M12 nuts used for applications requiring higher hardness. It's not just the hardness that differs with these nuts, the size of the wrench is also smaller, making assembly almost impossible in some cases.
In any case, it's very unwise to fit a nut with a different hardness. Volkswagen didn't use this solution for nothing, and it can even be downright dangerous to use a nut and bolt assembly of incorrect hardness.
These nuts are treated with Dacromet. Dacromet nuts and bolts are more resistant to corrosion than electroplating. They are therefore identical to the original supplied by Volkswagen in the 1990s.
Below is an overview of where these Class 10 nuts have been used, and the total number required if you were to replace them all for the application shown:
VW Beetle
- automatic transmission clutch servo from VIN 5199 980, 1 piece
- front gearbox rubber for chassis 8.1972 to 12/1985, 2 pieces
- bearing housing for spring plates from 10.1952, 4 pcs. pendulum axle (trumpets), 6 pcs. IRS (cardan shafts)
- upper and lower rear shock absorber, 4 pcs.
- bumper shock absorber for bumper support, 4 pcs
Karmann Ghia
- automatic transmission clutch motor servo from VIN 5199 980 ),1 piece
- front gearbox rubber to chassis from 8.1972, 2 pcs
- bearing housing for spring plates, 4 pcs pendulum axle (trumpets), 6 pcs IRS (cardan shafts)
- upper and lower rear shock absorber, 4 pcsthese
Split Bus
- steering damper mounting up to 3.1955, 2 pieces
- front shock absorbers, top mount, 2 pieces
- rear shock absorber lever, 2 pcs.
- brake pedal up to 1964 (chassis 215 026 861 ), 1 piece
Bay Window Bus
- brake pedal, 1 piece
VW Vanagon
- rear suspension arm to chassis, 4 pieces
- bearing pin for rear shift rod up to 7.1982, 1 piece
Type 3
- bearing housing from rear axle to spring plates, 6 pieces
Useful information from Paruzzi magazine and from our YouTube channel :
Look for more technical articles on the page Paruzzi Magazine