Brake Removal Question

[IslandTSI]

I am having troubles getting the guide pin to break loose on the front calipers. The lock pin as well. Also the bolt head is starting to strip. Any suggestions to getting these things loose? Would hitting them with a torch for a while be advisable or would that be kind of risky towards the breaks?

 

[FORMONTOYA]

PB blaster......if you hit it with heat you have to be really careful you don't damage the piston seals.......and the heat WILL damage the guide pin boots.

 

[IslandTSI]

Yah I have been pb blasting the hell out of it. I have the car off the road for the winter so there is no big rush. The thing I am most worried about is stripping the bolt end on the guide pin and not being able to get it off

 

[wret]

Since the entire length of the pin is sitting in grease, it is likely only pressure on the head and maybe a little rust there that is holding on. If repeated sessions with pb blaster don't help, try slicing off bits of the head and flange with a cut-off wheel. At least you should be able to save the calipers.

 

[drivemusicnow]

If the calipers are one the car, I would take a small metall hammer and hit the caliper just below the head of the bolt, from the side (IE perpendicular to the bolt). This should break away any rust that could have accumulated there, and would hopefully let you take the bolt of.

Make sure you use a 6 point as well (I believe they are either 14 or 17mm, but make sure you're using a 6 point socket)

A little heat on the iron part of the caliper shouldn't be too bad either, just make sure you're careful and don't get the rest of the caliper too hot.