C5 brake caliper removal
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 3
From: Pacifica CA
C5 brake caliper removal
I've done many disc brakes in my time, but not on a Vette. I can't crack the caliper bolts loose on my C5, even with a torque wrench and a cheater bar. What's the secret?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,631
Likes: 2
From: Clever, MO aka SOMO
I just used my air wrench that I use on my lugnuts, and popped the bracket bolts loose. I had more of a problem tightening the bracket bolts to 125ftlbs. Taking off the caliper bolts was easy by hand.
If you don't have air in your garage, buy an elec. wrench.
Good luck.
If you don't have air in your garage, buy an elec. wrench.
Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 2
From: Orlando FL
Lift weights haha. JK
There is probably red loctite on the bolt threads. I keep a 3 ft pipe just for brake jobs. Just be sure you have the exact size socket or you risk rounding out the bolt head.
Tom
There is probably red loctite on the bolt threads. I keep a 3 ft pipe just for brake jobs. Just be sure you have the exact size socket or you risk rounding out the bolt head.
Tom
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
easiest way I have found is to use a good box socket end wrench and a 3-5 lb. hand sledge. Just hold a little tension on the wrench with one hand and a couple of good whacks and they are loose. Beats having to get a cheater in there and still have to muscle it. 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: = From Toronto = 9/11/01 FDNY 343 Never Forget
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'13-'14
that's what I did, worked like a charm.
)
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 176
Likes: 2
From: Abilene Texas
Just replaced rotors and pads this weekend (and painted the calipers). I had the same issue and didn't think I'd ever get the bracket bolts loose. I was using about an 18-24" long 3/8" drive wrench with an adapter to fit the 1/2" drive socket required for the bolt head size. After trying to give myself a hernia, I finally got the idea to borrow a 1/2" drive breaker bar from a buddy hoping the 1/2" drive would make just enough torque difference to move the bolt. Sure enough, it did the trick.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Orange County California
The front caliper bolts can be removed by steer the tires to left and right. You'll have enough room to use a long break bar and your body weight. For the rear caliper bolts, I used a torch and heat the caliper socket for 1 min. Then I used a short breaker bar and a hammer to break it loose. The torch is the magic ticket for this job.
