mechanically inclined tarzans...

[crinkles]

Tried to take my brake pads out today for a going over and to check the condition of the brakes, disc, etc.

I couldn't get the bloody caliper mounting bolts off!! I can take lug nuts off that were torqued properly to 76 ft.lbs. but this simple bolt, only supposed to be done to 25 ft-lbs, i can't budge with all my might.

the mechanic who did this looks after our work vehicles... i just don't see the need to use an impact wrench on caliper mounting bolts!! what goes through mechanics' heads when they do this? to spare ten seconds?

 

[Silk]

Tighten a bolt up,then undo it a few days later and see how tight it is.We are doing a recall on the Triton top outer balljoint - there have been cases of them coming loose.We back them off and retighten to 38nm,that's not very tight,and yet they crack when the come loose.I've gone and rechecked ones I've done before...still crack off as if they are very tight,and then hardly any pressure on the torque wrench to tighten.

 

[Summerwind]

Crinkles, "they" may have used "Locktite" on the threads on those (been there) you may have to first heat the head of the bolt with a torch to loosen the stuff. Just a thought

 

[crinkles]

OK makes sense...

haynes manual is a good for nothing rag...

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Some are Aluminium alloy - they may have seized in the iron bracket. I have never found loctitie to make a bolt hard to untorque - just the opposite in fact. Maybe a bit of penetrating oil is in order, applied at the threads with a few mallet taps to get the juice moving and then a few hours wait. Just insure you clean the oil off well with carb/brake cleaner or the like.

 

[Cutehumor]

the automakers hire gorillas to put on the OEM oil filters on the assembly lines

 

[The_Eric]

Try using the box end of the wrench and using one hand to hold the wrench on the bolt/keep tension on it (no slack) then taking either a hammer or the lower part of your other palm and hit the open end of the wrench. Give it a good, hard sharp blow (or ten). Usually they will crack loose.

I'm guessing you don't have an impact? A torch of most any kind will help if you don't.

 

[daman]

Anyone using a impact wrench on caliper mounting bolts should be fired on the spot.

 

[Cutehumor]

Originally Posted By: daman
Anyone using a impact wrench on caliper mounting bolts should be fired on the spot.


I'm pretty sure it happens, especially if the dude is uber lazy

 

[onion]

Perhaps you can go find a MAN to break those loose for you.

 

[L_Sludger]

Originally Posted By: onion
Perhaps you can go find a MAN to break those loose for you.

oh ho ho ho, you just went there!!

 

[tom slick]

Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
the automakers hire gorillas to put on the OEM oil filters on the assembly lines


I took a picture of one when I toured a plant.

 

[daman]

That looks like a Briggs filter

 

[The_Eric]

Originally Posted By: daman
Anyone using a impact wrench on caliper mounting bolts should be fired on the spot.


I'm going to have to disagree with this.

I'll use an impact every chance I get. On some with small bolts I won't but when the bracket to spindle bolts are 1/2" / 12mm+ there's no harm in it. For the caliper to mount bracket (If applicable), again I'll use an impact if it'll fit. You don't have to go berserk with it.. A little tap of the throttle or turning down the output knob works good too. Lately I've been using a 3/8" cordless impact which works really nice with the infinite control over the trigger.

Impacts must be tempered with a healthy dose of common sense, like using the right size for the right job and not pulling the trigger till something breaks.

 

[daman]

The point here is it's not necessary,period,,snug em down with the 3/8 drive tap the handle a few times and call it a day.

plus on GM's it would be hard as heck getting a imp in there ,a air ratchet yea,there bolts are on the inside of the caliper and difficult even if the wheel is turned.


but....to each is own.

 

[mechtech2]

Use a 6 point socket, and preferably a flank drive type.

Stuff seizes and sticks , even after a short while.
It may have been tightened a little over what it should, but stuck parts are part of working on cars - esp. up north with rough winters and salt.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Originally Posted By: crinkles
Tried to take my brake pads out today for a going over and to check the condition of the brakes, disc, etc.

I couldn't get the bloody caliper mounting bolts off!! I can take lug nuts off that were torqued properly to 76 ft.lbs. but this simple bolt, only supposed to be done to 25 ft-lbs, i can't budge with all my might.

the mechanic who did this looks after our work vehicles... i just don't see the need to use an impact wrench on caliper mounting bolts!! what goes through mechanics' heads when they do this? to spare ten seconds?
Well me boy, did you get 'em loosed?

 

[The_Jeff]

Just stick a box end wrench on there so when you lift it the thing loosens. Put a jack underneath with some wood heading up for the wrench handle and have at it.