Set to on the Polo today to replace the front wheel bearings.
Wonder why some eejit at VW decided to use 18mm (EIGHT - bloody - TEEN!) bolts & nuts on the suspension strut mount? :axe
I mean, 17s and 19s have worked fine for most other applications like that, and it’s not as if they have to be such a precise size for clearance and access in that area! It’s almost as bad as French manufacturers and their annoying stabs at unique screwhead patterns.
Anyhoo, Engineering Agencies got a wee visit and I now own my very first 18mm socket - after 30 years playing at mechanics!
At least an old 11/16" imperial socket whacked onto the other end worked no probs for undoing the bolt after another cheap adjustable (shifter) spanner bit the dust… :rs
Eventually the hub rotor was removed and the problem was clear - worn to excess within the inner bearing race with clear signs of friction and overheating! No wonder the last set of bearings didn’t last long… Cue new hubs from eBay.
No complaints about sorting these wee details now considering the price of the car obviously, as it should continue to run a lot smoother for a while. Was even tempted to get a set of 40mm lowered springs… B)