Removing caliper carrier bolt? (pic)

AmDaMan · 30 Apr 2006 at 18:49

Hi, got the calipers for my 285mm conversion but when messing with one of the calipers it seems the slider is stuck. I've tried to prize it to get it to slide but it won't budge! How would I get this off? I've tried the pliers and mole grips but don't want to damage it. Is it best to let a garage do it?

Also with the pads in i doesn't look like the discs would fit, is that right?

Firegod · 30 Apr 2006 at 19:23

Hit it with a hammer... that'll do it. It's probably just seized on. Don't hit it too hard, and not where you've arrowed on the pic. Hit the middle of the carrier or where the whole is for the other nut. If you hold the caliper while hitting downwards then gravity should also help and it'll pop off.

You could try squirting some penetrating spray onto it to see if that works it loose....

One of my 16v calipers was exactly the same. One side of the carrier wouldn't budge. So just a few taps with the hammer and it worked loose.

F355 · 30 Apr 2006 at 19:37

This may seem like a stupid question but have you tried to unscrew them?

Its better to do it on the car, otherwise use a vise to hold the caliper while you undo them.

Trickle · 30 Apr 2006 at 20:07

Like F355 says, you either get it solid in a vice or undo it on the car.

My calipers have standard nuts on the end. The only problem with getting the rear ones of those is that in the rear arch it can be tricky getting a breaker bar extension on. If those are front brakes, then just leave it on the car and turn the wheel to an angle to suit you so you can get an extension on.

However that doesnt look like a nut on the end which I would have expected to see there. What is it?

AmDaMan · 30 Apr 2006 at 21:49

Hi, it's not a nut, that's why I can't get a decent grip on it, tried the mole grips but it won't budge and I dont wanna damage it.

I'll give it a bash with the hammer later though!

Cheers.

F355 · 30 Apr 2006 at 22:19

AmDaMan said:
Hi, it's not a nut, that's why I can't get a decent grip on it

They have probably been rounded off then. What car are they from and have you got a workshop manual for the car?

Try filing flats onto them which will help the mole grips get a hold of them.

Dr Who · 30 Apr 2006 at 22:21

Might help if you tell us what car it is, then we will know what type of slider is on it... maybe.. hehe

AmDaMan · 30 Apr 2006 at 22:53

sorry guys, they are Renault 21Turbo calipers.

The nut hasn't been rounded, it seems to be a serated edge.

Cheers for the help

Dr Who · 30 Apr 2006 at 23:09

if its a serated edge then it probably needs a bihex socket to undo it

Trickle · 1 May 2006 at 01:20

Sounds like a regular '3 star, requires special tool' job to me

AmDaMan · 1 May 2006 at 01:39

The bugger wont budge at all, there is actually a torx head in the top but that's nigh impossible to catch.

I've had another go with the mole grips but it's not moving. I think i'll leave it to the experts or give it to Euro Car Parts or something and get a refurbed one for £25 or so

Fulcrum · 1 May 2006 at 02:08

I had to hacksaw off a caliper pin once, I had one spare so it was not problem and the metal was not too solid

Trickle · 1 May 2006 at 09:03

AmDaMan said:
The bugger wont budge at all, there is actually a torx head in the top but that's nigh impossible to catch.

You did leave it on the car when trying to undo it and you did use a torx socket adapter on a breaker? Penatrating fluid first and all the usual tapping?

Firegod · 1 May 2006 at 11:00

AmDaMan said:
.

I'll give it a bash with the hammer later though!

Cheers.

Good lad.

AmDaMan · 1 May 2006 at 11:33

Trickle said:
You did leave it on the car when trying to undo it and you did use a torx socket adapter on a breaker? Penatrating fluid first and all the usual tapping?

No I didn't leave it on the car, I clamped it to an old desk and it started shearing the serrated bit. There is no chance it would catch enough when using a breaker bar on a tiny torx socket, i tried with a normal 10" rachet and it wouldn't. I'll ask a garage to take a look.