Can't turn brake caliper bolts -- 98 V70 XC

Marco · Post by **Marco** » 02 Sep 2009, 17:36

I was trying to replace the front rotors on my 98 V70 and was stopped cold by the 2 bolts that hold part of the caliper on. I was able to remove the pins and the caliper but the 2 bolts that hold the other part of the caliper would not budge.

I was able to get good leverage on the wrench, and I did use PB Blaster on it, and eventually started to round off one of the bolt heads before giving up.

Now I'm pissed and discouraged!

Any advice?

-- Marco

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 02 Sep 2009, 17:54

They torque fairly tight but I have always been able to get them off with a little persuasion and a two foot pipe. The head rounding off isn't encouraging.

I assume you are replacing the rotors, otherwise the mounts don't need to come off at all. Since you have the caliper itself off perhaps some heat from a torch will help. Push comes to shove Craftsman makes some things called Bolt-Offs that try to bite into the rounded off head. I have had mixed results with them.

Good luck,

...Lee

Post by **JDS60R** » 02 Sep 2009, 17:55

Marco,
Lets start on the good one and see if we can get it off. You will need a proper socket . (use a 6 sided socket for a six sided bolt etc) and al least a 2 foot breaker bar or a good socket and a 3-4 lb sledge.

These bolds are in at 75 ft lbs and will need some convincing.
Wipe the lube off of the head of the bold and put the socket and breaker bar on.

If you need to get more roo just turn the steering wheel so you can get more access to the bolts.

Once you can get the first bolt loose it will be easier.

Let us know how it goes.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 02 Sep 2009, 18:08

You can try hitting the bolt head with a steel hammer to try to break the bond on the threads.

Get a "breaker bar" to give you more leverage or use a "cheater" pipe on the end of the wrench you have. Make sure the socket is the correct size for the bolt and hold it in place on the bolt head while you apply pressure to the wrench handle.

If you round the bolt heads off you'll need to get a large-size "Easy-Out" (available at Sears or online from Snap-on), then drill a hole in the end of the bolt and use the Easy-out to remove it.

Marco · Post by **Marco** » 02 Sep 2009, 18:11

Thanks Lee and John, I appreciate the tips.
I'll keep trying (on my next day off)

Post by **Pauloil** » 02 Sep 2009, 20:22

key advice here, as stated, 6 sided socket and a breaker bar
I've used a 1/2 in breaker before on these bolts and haven't had any problems, it would be worth it to go buy a 6 sided 15mm or a whole set.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 03 Sep 2009, 08:56

One other thing to look at is heating the bolt up with a torch. That always works for me.

Marco · Post by **Marco** » 03 Sep 2009, 19:37

Thanks everyone for your help. I will be trying again this weekend and will let you know how I make out.

Post by **Brucebo** » 03 Sep 2009, 22:42

I broke a Craftsman socket trying to get those bolts off. Using a breaker bar, heard a "crack" and thought, "uh oh". I was relieved to find it was only the socket.

Then I thought, "what the f*%!" I have an impact wrench, duh!, why don't I use it. And that took them off jiffy quick. And it was a cheesy Chicom one at that that came in an air kit from Schmucks!

-Bruce