Problem: REALLY tight bolts - how can I break 'em loose?
03-23-2001, 07:40 AM
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Problem: REALLY tight bolts - how can I break 'em loose?
I can't get the bolts off that hold on the caliper bracket, if I can't get that part off then I can't replace the rotor. One of the bolts came off but the other refuses to budge. A friend told me to rent an impact wrench. What the heck is that and would it help? ANy other suggestions?
Thanks,
Brian
Thanks,
Brian
03-23-2001, 08:18 AM
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Re: Problem: REALLY tight bolts - how can I break 'em loose?
You want too be real careful here because if you break it or strip it you in deep dodo.
I had the same problem when I removed my rear calipers.
To break them free (they're on there with locktite) I used a 3 or 5 lb rubber mallet and kept smaking the rachet handle until it cracked. The key is having a heavy rubber mallet, i think. An impact wrench might work too, but it's real tight in the back there and you might have trouble using it.
I also had to jack up the rotor inorder to get the allen wrench socket (get a set if you do not have them) in there.
Jim
I had the same problem when I removed my rear calipers.
To break them free (they're on there with locktite) I used a 3 or 5 lb rubber mallet and kept smaking the rachet handle until it cracked. The key is having a heavy rubber mallet, i think. An impact wrench might work too, but it's real tight in the back there and you might have trouble using it.
I also had to jack up the rotor inorder to get the allen wrench socket (get a set if you do not have them) in there.
Jim
03-23-2001, 10:05 AM
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Re: Problem: REALLY tight bolts - how can I break 'em loose?
I also had the same problem when I replaced the pads and rotors on the back of my "88 90Q.
I used an impact wrench/gun/drive.. whatever they are called.
It's true it is very tight in there. I had to use a swivel socket-the one that works like a U-joint.
If you try this approach be carefull when the tourque brings up as it may cause the swivel joint to shift....
It took me alot of time before trying this however, once i did it was no time to complete.
You may also need to put an extension on the drive.
If you are getting into the renting you should pick up one of those brake tools to get the piston in the calibre to seat.
mike90q
I used an impact wrench/gun/drive.. whatever they are called.
It's true it is very tight in there. I had to use a swivel socket-the one that works like a U-joint.
If you try this approach be carefull when the tourque brings up as it may cause the swivel joint to shift....
It took me alot of time before trying this however, once i did it was no time to complete.
You may also need to put an extension on the drive.
If you are getting into the renting you should pick up one of those brake tools to get the piston in the calibre to seat.
mike90q
03-23-2001, 10:48 AM
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If they're put on with Loctite....
....heat the bolt with a torch before trying to loosen it. That will soften the loctite and make it easier to extract. You might also want to try a can of JB-80 lubricant. NAPA sells it.
03-23-2001, 01:46 PM
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Heat but be careful.
Heat usually does the trick but be careful.
As the bolt gets hot the metal gets weaker,
applying lots of torque will cause the head to spread making it useless. If you are heating it
ensure that you only heat the caliper side,
cool the head of the bolt with water before attempting to apply torque.
The best solution is to heat the caliper, cool down the bolt head then use an 18" breaker bar.
Apply the force in sharp jolts, either using your hand or with a rubber mallet as suggested.
Whatever you do be careful. Ensure that you push or pull at exactly 90 degrees, any wavering with high torque and the bolt head will get rounded off.
good luck
Sam.
As the bolt gets hot the metal gets weaker,
applying lots of torque will cause the head to spread making it useless. If you are heating it
ensure that you only heat the caliper side,
cool the head of the bolt with water before attempting to apply torque.
The best solution is to heat the caliper, cool down the bolt head then use an 18" breaker bar.
Apply the force in sharp jolts, either using your hand or with a rubber mallet as suggested.
Whatever you do be careful. Ensure that you push or pull at exactly 90 degrees, any wavering with high torque and the bolt head will get rounded off.
good luck
Sam.
03-23-2001, 03:40 PM
#6
You need a impact screw driver tool. $4 on sale.
<center><img src="http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/37500-37599/37530.gif"></center><p><ul><li><a href="http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/taf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37530">http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/taf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37530</a</li></ul>
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03-24-2001, 05:29 AM
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Is that large enough?
I need it to fit a 15mm bolt, would that size tool be appropriate? I suppose because of it's small size it would fit in the wheel well easily. I dunno, I suppose you can't really go wrong for only 5 bucks!?
03-26-2001, 05:16 AM
#10
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Here's a neat trick.....
When trying to loosen a suspension bolt on my 944, I put a large wrench on the bolt, and used a jack to push up on the wrench! That will loosen any bolt!