andys57

Went to shop today to have rotors turned. Guy there said lower bolt caliper on passenger side wouldn't budge. Said it may have been overtightened at last brake job. Impact wrench wouldn't move it.

Any suggestions/solutions?

Thanks in advance.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Heat (blow torch) combined with a lubricant meant to penetrate like wd40.

sr20mofo

iTrader: (10)

if a simple thing as a seized bolt is preventing a shop to do a simple brake job. i suggest u find another shop.

andys57

Don't think that hasn't crossed my mind.....Already looking. Didn't like the guys attitude to start with.

Would a breaker bar (perhaps with extension) work ? Perhaps get the ol' can of PB blaster....

Lynzoid

be careful there... very careful. and DO NOT reuse caliper bolts - these are disposable (non-reusable).
caliper is made from magnesium alloy and bolts are aluminium and soft.
i BET some 'persuasion' with some wd40 and good breaker bar will work. just be careful there.
and do not use heat! heat will damage the alloy!

andys57

Just thinking out loud...would it be feasible that the bolt is cross threaded since it's aluminum? I'm trying mentally to be prepared for whatever they find...

I assume the bolt would give up it's threads before the mounting would-I hope.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Heating a bolt up will not damage alloy unless you get excessive and take it to melting point (865+ degrees F). Of course, you need to be careful but very often it is one of the most effective ways of loosening a seized up bolt or nut. Too much torque on a breaker bar can also break the head off the bolt. Then it's really a nightmare. A good shop will know how to get it out.

Dawa

iTrader: (5)

having only experience with nissan brake systems, which use reusable (steel) bolts and calipers that are either steel or aluminum (with steel female threaded parts) ive never come across any aluminum/magnesium brake parts.

but yeah if the impact wrench didnt use the job, next thing on my list would be penetrant/lubricant accompanied with a looong breaker bar. you wont to apply breaking torque in a quick fashion, somewhat similar to an impact wrench. that means you want to QUICKLY push/pull that wrench OR hit it at the end with a mallet/piece of wood/similar. you DONT want to give it a slow/steady push/pull.

longer the wrench, the better. and then if you can try to slip a pipe over the end to extend it even longer.

example, a 24" wrench has 2 times the force of a 12" wrench

andys57

As much as I'd like to do this (from a personal satisfaction point), I'm going to take it to the pros.

I'm sure this isn't the first time they've seen this

Thanks to all!!!!!!!!!!!

V8_Fan

I assume you know those bolts are one-time use only?

BradTank

+1

Any shop that can't complete the job because of a "roadblock" like this is a bunch of hacks that shouldn't be in the business.

Megafast13

Try Bolt Buster

andys57

Tried to find Bolt Buster but it appears to be discontinued (better hide your stash now). If you can recommend a source, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks