Caliper removal
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 27
From: Harrisburg PA
Caliper removal
I am replacing my trailing arms. Passenger side is done.
Driver side--I am unable to get the caliper mounting bolts to budge. I have used a long-handle breaker bar, and a gun to try to remove.
I suspect that someone may have used used red loctite to secure the caliper to the trailing arm assembly.
I know using heat is the only was to go at this point, but I am concerned that I might damage the caliper. The caliper is fine otherwise, and I plan to repaint and re-use it.
Is it possible to use enough heat to break the bolts loose, without compromising the caliper itself?
I plan to do this off the car, once I get the trailing arm out at this point.
Driver side--I am unable to get the caliper mounting bolts to budge. I have used a long-handle breaker bar, and a gun to try to remove.
I suspect that someone may have used used red loctite to secure the caliper to the trailing arm assembly.
I know using heat is the only was to go at this point, but I am concerned that I might damage the caliper. The caliper is fine otherwise, and I plan to repaint and re-use it.
Is it possible to use enough heat to break the bolts loose, without compromising the caliper itself?
I plan to do this off the car, once I get the trailing arm out at this point.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,742
Likes: 1,384
If the caliper is fine, then I would suggest just to paint it in place..... but FYI, I did have to use like a 4' breaking bar to remove my calipers the first time I removed them. (Ages ago... I would not do that today).
Nowadays I have a torch so I would use that and NOT risk breaking something.
I would rather use heat than a large beaker bar. You can focus the heat.
Nowadays I have a torch so I would use that and NOT risk breaking something.
I would rather use heat than a large beaker bar. You can focus the heat.
Last edited by carriljc; May 24, 2019 at 04:30 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 154
I wouldn't use heat,2 things I would try. 1,turn the impact gun on to tighten and hit the trigger for a second then try and remove it with the impact.Those are fine thread bolts you won't break them(grade 5 or 8 ),if that doesn't work borrow or buy a better impact your hammers inthe gun may be worn.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 115
Likes: 25
From: Los Angeles
I wouldn't use heat,2 things I would try. 1,turn the impact gun on to tighten and hit the trigger for a second then try and remove it with the impact.Those are fine thread bolts you won't break them(grade 5 or 8 ),if that doesn't work borrow or buy a better impact your hammers inthe gun may be worn.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
The bolts are grade 8 and will probably not break. Apply some penetrating oil- you probably have already done that- use a six point socket, your breaker bar and put a four foot or longer pipe over the handle of the breaker bar. While you are leaning on the pipe and exerting a couple hundred foot pounds of torque, have someone hit the socket with a hammer. If this does not get it loose, then resort to heat, which may damage the seals on the caliper.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 27
From: Harrisburg PA
The bolts are grade 8 and will probably not break. Apply some penetrating oil- you probably have already done that- use a six point socket, your breaker bar and put a four foot or longer pipe over the handle of the breaker bar. While you are leaning on the pipe and exerting a couple hundred foot pounds of torque, have someone hit the socket with a hammer. If this does not get it loose, then resort to heat, which may damage the seals on the caliper.
Penetrating oil, breaker bar, and a 3 foot extension managed to break them loose...
Thanks for all of the recommendations!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
Glad you got the bolts loose. How loud was the "snap" when the bolt finally let loose? Usually it is pretty loud, but a good sign of success. I did have one time that did not work out. I had a six foot long "persuader" pipe on my favorite 18 inch ratchet wrench and was really leaning on it. The "snap" in this case was the wrench shattering and the gear and ratchet mechanism flying across my garage floor.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,445
Likes: 353
From: Athens GA
St. Jude Donor '12-'13, '15- '16-'17-'18-'19, '21
Glad you got the bolts loose. How loud was the "snap" when the bolt finally let loose? Usually it is pretty loud, but a good sign of success. I did have one time that did not work out. I had a six foot long "persuader" pipe on my favorite 18 inch ratchet wrench and was really leaning on it. The "snap" in this case was the wrench shattering and the gear and ratchet mechanism flying across my garage floor.
Remember to duck!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
bmans vette said "Remember to duck!" One time I should have ducked but didn't. My wrench slipped and I pitched forward and smacked my eye on one of those chrome bumpers that everyone wants. Walked around with a nice shiner for about a week.