Garage say they need the longer bolts for the shaft before they can fit it.
Suggested they put the original bolt in the original driveshaft fitting, and then measure the thread length that protrudes from the flange. Then, if they measure the flange width on new shaft, and add the thread length to that, they will have the correct length bolts to get.
This has left the garage totally confused, and they are not sure what I am talking about..
So, these 'qualified & highly skilled vehicle technicians' with their certificates adorning the shop walls, can't seem to grasp the 'simple' solution..
As mentioned, I have done 50 years as an aircraft engineer, and have several 'City & Guilds' certificates, and an ONC in mechanical engineering, gained over a 5 year apprenticeship, and I have to actually go up to the garage, armed with a steel rule and explain step by step to the 'qualified mechanic' how to do this.
Put the existing bolt, into the existing shaft hub. Measure the amount of thread protruding from the hub (that would bolt into gearbox) This measurement is 20mm.
Now, measure the thickness of the same flange on the replacement shaft. This measurement is 30mm
Add to that dimension, the previously measured thread length protruding from the original. This gives us 20mm plus 30mm
This gives you the total length of bolt required. Total measurement is now 50mm
Simple really, yet seems beyond the capability of 'professionals' to 'deviate from the workshop manual’. And use a bit of logic, or ‘ingenuity’. And they are charging me £70 + VAT an hour!!
Now ordered 50mm cap head bolts, 12/9 part threaded. Pack of 10, £6. Being delivered Thursday.
Also, been busy doing the reinforcement plates as well. Made a cardboard template, and created these from it in 3mm steel plate. (pics below. Looks OK when fitted loosely) Hoping this will mean garage can get on and do the job!! ( some hopes!!)