I am doing the "rebuild" on my joint and cannot loosen the rag-joint's, 3/8th, 12 pt. bolts. Just short of heating them and replacing the rubber on the rag-joint. Does anyone know of a better way? I have 6 pt. 1/2" drive socket, that won't fit. And whatever 12 pt socket I have is of the cheaper brand that would most certainly round off the head of the bolt? Any ideas before I use the "blue flame"? Thanks, Artie

 

Use the correct socket. A cheap impact style socket will be plenty strong.

 

Do they even make 12-point impact sockets ??

 

The socket is a 3/8 12 point. I think you'll be alright even if it's cheap because it's a good tight fit. If you have that in half-inch drive put a breaker bar on it for more torque. Make sure your turning the right way too. Lefty loosy-righty tighty. Counterclockwise is off, clockwise is on. You can also turn the key forward to unlock the wheel and have someone turn the wheel the opposite way while you pull for even more torque. You can also soak the bolts in WD-40 and then try it.