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DISCUSSION => General Topics => Topic started by: nigel on December 11, 2009, 11:21:55 AM

Title: Stuck bolt
Post by: nigel on December 11, 2009, 11:21:55 AM

I'm doing a brake job and the retainer bolts (the allen head ones) for the front rotors are both stuck fast. Apparently the PO ran into the same problem, because they are both half-stripped, thus making my life a whole lot harder. I've had PB blaster on them for a couple of hours, but they're not budging and any more force will strip them completely and leave me utterly boned.
Any suggestions?
Oh, and I tried heating them, but wasn't really sure how much or what (bolt or rotor?) to heat. I aslo beat the hell out of the rotor with a rubber mallet, hoping some good vibes would help a little:D
Thanks, and sorry for the nooby question

Title: Stuck bolt
Post by: ak96ss on December 11, 2009, 02:34:30 PM

Mallet. If that doesn't work, I drilled the heads off on my car when I did it the first time. You don't really need those allen head bolts, they just hold the rotor until you get the wheel in place, but if you do replace them, use antiseize.

Title: Stuck bolt
Post by: tntempest on December 11, 2009, 05:43:37 PM

Yeah just drill the heads off and the bolt will come out easy with vise grips, the head has a lot of surface to rust in place

Title: Stuck bolt
Post by: dwtaylorpdx on December 11, 2009, 06:48:46 PM

Use a reverse twist drill. most of the time by the time you drill the head the bolt spins out as well.

Dave

Title: Stuck bolt
Post by: nigel on December 13, 2009, 07:53:45 PM

Yep. Definitely gonna drill them. Wasn't really sure how necessary they were, but that makes sense.
Thanks guys.

Title: Stuck bolt
Post by: 1991 E30 M42 on December 13, 2009, 11:30:43 PM

I do not have any on my car as they always get stuck. Just get you a stud kit.