Brake Caliper Bolts...Grrrrrrrr

Im in the process of replacing my rear emergency brake cable and am trying to get my calipers off so I can see what Im doing.  My rear rotors are not the originals so I know the calipers have been off before but getting the bolts out that hold the calipers to the brackets is, shall we say "difficult"!!!!  So far I have got 3 of the 4 loose but am still working on breaking the 4th loose.  I dont know who put them on or what kind of wrench they used but Im using a good wrench with a 14 inch "cheater bar" and having a tough time. Are they supposed to be this bad to get out?   When I finally get these things out and reinstall them, are they just torqued with the lock washer or some threadlocking compound used on them.  Ive seen on the "other forum" suggestions ranging from nothing to red loctite, to blue loctite. What say the real authorities here? Crossfire19822008-10-16 14:11:19

acplus2008-10-16 15:19:07

Been there too with "difficult" caliper bolt...actually, i rounded one of the heads and thought i was in a real pickle of a situation... ultimately, i literally drove on a socket that was smaller than the actual size, and used an electric impact gun to work it off.  Seems the "rat-tat-tat" of an impact actaully helps loosen rusted in bolts, as i was just doing the same as you are, using a cheater bar.  So, if possible, get some penetrating oil(Liquid Wrench, PB Blaster, Break Free, etc..) and soak it overnight at least, longer is better... sometimes, using a little heat works too, propane torch, and heat the bolt up, then drench with oil(careful here, not to catch anything on fire)... maybe that will help??? (at least look into an impact gun..it does wonders)..... stingrayjim2008-10-16 16:54:57

Got them both off !! Guys, thanks for the advise.  I let some PB blaser soak through the old rivet holes for about 2 hours and used some gentle "persuasion" with a 3 pound dead blow hammer.  It took a few whacks on the "hat" between the wheel lugs but but they popped loose and pulled right off. 

Good go, don't forget to check your ebrake shoes for cracks and the hardware. Now is a good time to take sandpaper or a file to the to the center of the hub to get any burrs off and apply a little...a little anti seize or brake easy slide to the surface. Makes it easy for next time service.

Don't use any type of thread locker on the caliper bolts. If the bolts fit loose, replace them. I too have had problems getting a few caliper bolts off over the years....a little penetrant, a few well placed whacks with a hammer, and an impact will always work. Even without an impact, the other two work quite well.
Check to make sure someone didn't cross-thread the bolt(s) in there...it's been done.
Glad ya got it apart, anyway.

Clean the threads, use fresh lockwashers and an eence of anti sieze compound on the threads. Had mine that way for te last 4 years and never a problem!!

How did you make out?

Best way to remove is electric im-pack drill OPPS did I say that?? Waited till tread about ended before saying that. No lock tight needed as stated. Thanks sgm20042008-11-20 21:31:27