Do I need tool VW-558 to get the pressure plate

[roccit_53 at scirocco.cs.uoguelph.ca (C Boyko)]

On 5:01:29 pm 04/01/06 "David Brown" <sharpshooter33@adelphia.net> wrote:
> I've got a spare 16v that I'm toying with rebuilding.  I got the
> clutch and flywheel off thanks Cathy (9mm, 12pt)  Now I can't get the
> pressure plate bolts off because the crank is turning and me and my son
> can't get enough pressure on the bolts and hold to break them loose.  I
> just looked at the Bentleys and it talks about a VW-558 tool. Basically
> a  bolt with a plate and another hole to screw into the pressure plate
> to keep it from turning.  Make's it easy enough since I just broke a
> tooth off the timing gear trying to be slick. 8-(
> The problem I have is that it's just the lower block and not being
> held by anything so when I crank the block turns and lifts as I put
> pressure on it and my son (age 13) can't get enough force downward
> holding the pressure plate notch against a bolt.
> What does VW-558 cost normally if they still have them around and
> who's got another sneaky way of doing it.   This was going to be a
> project "father-son" kinda thing and right now it looks like lets watch
> dad yank a piece of metal around the floor. 8-)
> Thanks
> David


I borrow the tool, because I can :)  It works really well. But my kid has
two "not approved" methods, the "jam a screwdriver in there" method, and
the "Mr Johnson Bar on the crank pulley" method. Not sure I'd use those
myself.