Question for those with Vogtland

**Dolphin18T** · 07-21-2008 01:23 AM

What is the size of the hex wrench required to adjust the perch height in the rear? I thought it was 10mm but it either doesn't fit or I'm losing my mind. The latter is a complete possibility this far into the install. HELP!!

**Arclight** · 07-21-2008 05:36 AM

IIRC, there is no hex wrench for the rear, just a large coilover wrench. You only need a small hex wrench for the tiny set screw in the front perch. A bit of WD40 between the spring bottom and the perch will help w/ adjustment. Hope this helps...

**derleicaman** · 07-21-2008 06:15 AM

It is 10mm. The problem is that the female hex hole is a tiny bit small (no wise ass comments here) and it is in an akward place to get into with a ratchet and extension. I tried several several hex drive bits and finally took a dremel grinder to slightly reduce the size of the bit. Hex key won't work either. Best setup was my modified hex bit and 3/8" breaker bar. The breaker is hinged, so it allows the bit to engage at the proper angle to hold the perch in place while you turn the ring with the wrench.

There is no "tiny set screw" in the front perch. It does help to lubricate the adjusting rings and rear perch with WD-40 to ease adjustment.

**Arclight** · 07-21-2008 07:15 AM

I guess my Vogtlands are different as I do have a set screw in the front perch height adjustment ring....

**Dolphin18T** · 07-21-2008 10:18 AM

I have that tiny grub screw in the front, and the 10mm (but actually smaller) hex in the rear perch. Seriously, they didn't accurately form the female end of the hex? Wow. I guess I'll bust the Dremel out. Anyone else want to comment?

**BIG EYE** · 07-21-2008 11:51 AM

my 10mm hex bit fits just fine.
Just put them at the lowest setting before installing them and you dont have to worry about it.

**derleicaman** · 07-21-2008 01:08 PM

Interesting about the grub screw. Mine doesn't have it so it must have been a running change. I've had mine for over a year. Wonder when they did this?

This 10mm thing is a real pisser. I bought 4 different hex sockets and none fit. On some you could just get maybe 1mm into the hole and then no more. If you put any force on this, you could easily strip out the hole. Finally I said f*** it, and used the dremel wheel to take a tiny bit off the key and it fit perfectly. Just take a tiny bit off each of the 6 sides of the key.

The other issue is trying to use a ratchet with extension. With the car on jackstands, you couldn't get enough leverage to hold the ratchet through the bottom hole and turn the height rings with the special tool. The 3/8" breaker bar worked great, as you can position it within inches of the special tool and turn them both without the leverage problem. With the car on a lift you probably wouldn't have this problem.

**Dolphin18T** · 07-21-2008 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by derleicaman

This 10mm thing is a real pisser. I bought 4 different hex sockets and none fit. On some you could just get maybe 1mm into the hole and then no more. If you put any force on this, you could easily strip out the hole. Finally I said f*** it, and used the dremel wheel to take a tiny bit off the key and it fit perfectly. Just take a tiny bit off each of the 6 sides of the key.

Dang, I'm only foreseeing myself screwing up the hex key with the Dremel. Why didn't they just make it the right size. Has anyone tried a 9mm? I went to several hardware stores and couldn't find a 9mm.. The sets always go 7mm, 8mm, 10mm and skip over the 9mm.

**derleicaman** · 07-21-2008 02:02 PM

I don't think they make a 9mm, and it would be too small anyway. If you're afraid of a dremel, you could use an emory board or maybe even a fine wet-or-dry sandpaper on a small sanding block. A fine metal file could also work. Dremel took less than a minute.

**Dolphin18T** · 07-21-2008 02:13 PM

I guess I just afraid that I'll unevenly grind the sides and the hex key will strip the perch

**derleicaman** · 07-21-2008 04:48 PM

Only way you can strip it is if the hex drive does not go all the way into the hole. If you're doing this by hand and not with a dremel or power grinder, you'd have to really be all thumbs to file or sand it down too much.