Front brake caliper bolts frozen
#1
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Front brake caliper bolts frozen
Started to change front pads and rotors on my GX470, but couldn't get the caliper bolts loose. Is it safe to use a torch to heat up the area around the bolts so I can loosen the bolts? Any other way to break these bolts free?
#2
Pole Position
Do you have an impact wrench?
Also - dumb question - you're sure you're loosening the bolt? (because the bolts are on the back, not the front, and face the "wrong" way)
Chip H.
Also - dumb question - you're sure you're loosening the bolt? (because the bolts are on the back, not the front, and face the "wrong" way)
Chip H.
#5
Pole Position
PB Blaster. Use it on every bolt on the suspension DAYS before you try and loosen it. Spray it on and let it sit overnight. Use only 1/2 inch impact tools on these type of bolts. Longer handle. Better contact with the head of the bolt. Use a short breaker bar as well if needed. Totally worth having a shorter breaker bar.
#7
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I'd use heat on those bolts only as a last resort, too much rubber (brakes hoses, piston seals, etc) in the area that could get ruined. PB Blaster, tap it with a hammer, breaker bar. And I live where they heavily salt the roads, I know crusty bolts, lol.
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#9
Edit; and they're not frozen. Somebody probably impacted them on. Get a wrench, or a socket on it, and hit it with a hammer. Easy peasy. As a tech, I've done 36 trillion brake jobs and never had a seized bolt.
Last edited by BlackCat81; 03-18-16 at 04:12 PM.
#10
Also, Make sure you are using the correct METRIC socket. Don't use the fractional sockets. Especially when a bolt is hard to get off. That in combination with PB Blaster will work wonders.
#11
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Brakes and their components are designed for a LOT of heat. Enough heat that they can make the hub bearing grease fail before the brakes fail. A little heat on the hub or near the bolt won't hurt a thing.
#12
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Thanks to everyone who responded. Used PBlaster and let it soak overnight, then again this morning with a few hammer taps and managed to get the bolts out. Thanks co4wheel and IanB2 for the suggestion. Glad I didn't have to try the heat!
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