91blacknight

Alright guys, I ran into a bit of a problem. In my bid to replace my rear brake rotors and pads, I rounded two of the bolts. I was able to get the caliper off but the other part which holds the pads in place, which is held by two bolts through the back, is my problem. When I first looked at the bolts I kind of figured I'd have an issue, and without applying a penetrating oil or anything, I torqued on them until they rounded (idiot). Anyway any suggestions on what to do? I thought maybe if I can get a dremel in there and cut around the head of the bolts a bit (the rust has fused them with the trailing arm) then maybe I can get some oil in there and then go at it with a vice grip or something. I don't have any torches or anything to cut them off. What do you think?
Thanks for the help.

imported_chris_v2

get a hacksaw or a drill and either cut off the heads.. or drill through the bolt. Once the saddle is off try to use an easy out.

OR smash on a 12pt 5/8 socket and preferably use an impact gun but i realize you dont have that.. so.. try to use a breaker bar.

Next time make you, you have the right size socket on there

imported_janz3n

if you got the money, save your self the hassel and go to a shop .

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

i'd try to get a vise grip on there as tight as possible and reef on that, if that doesn't work....they make sockets (i think they are called "grab-it") that have sharp teeth on them to grab onto a stripped bolt that you can buy from canadian tire.

imported_echien

I don't think you don't need to get those bolts off to replace the pads.

JUst smack the old ones off the sides.

When you have the time (and proper tools) And you really care enought to fix it. I say take the whole knuckle off (to give yourself space), then drill the bolts off. Drill right through. Gradually increase the bit size as to not distroy the original threads.

Then clean off the threads with a tap and die set. get new bolts and a bottle of anti seize. Lots of work so save it for when you have time are care enough to do it.

imported_chris_v2

how you gonna get the rotors off smart guy?

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

and no offense, but if this guy screwed up a brake job do you really think he is capable of doing all what you said echien?
Sure for someone with lots of experience, what you suggested would be pretty easy, but not everyone has that much confidence/skill to do that.

I'd still try that socket set first, they really grab onto any stripped bolt....provided you have the right sized socket, its ghey the sets only come with every other size socket, i guess so you gotta buy both sets, but anyways they work really good and have saved my *** a few times.

imported_chris_v2

^whered you get these sockets?

I've always used 12pt's and just jam them on. Normally works..

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

Crappy tire pos man.

imported_chris_v2

Your a crappy tire tools specialist eh..

here a pos there a pos

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

my tool collection composes mostly of mastercrap, crapsman and power fist.

Everywhere a pos pos.

imported_SaYjAiBaO

take it to a shop and let the pro's handle it from here. you don't want to screw up even more and dig yourself deeper into the hole.

91blacknight

I'll try looking for the "grab-it" sockets though crappy tire also sells bolt removers that you need to drill into the bolt. Do those work ok? I'm not sure I can get a drill back there, especially on the upper bolt. Are those bolts hardened or anything, will I be able to drill through them easily? I do have access to an air compressor at my Dad's place so maybe I'll give his impact gun a try. Also I was using a 14mm socket which I was sure was the right size. Was I wrong? Thanks for all the help guys. I know I can always take it to a shop but this is a relatively simple job, and I'd rather not have to pay someone to do it. I figure I'll give it at least another go.

imported_echien

Whoops, I thought he said just pads.

Cynikal.Mindset

use the "grab it" sockets and get new carrier bolts and you're good to go

these are the bad boys u need...everybody should have a set

imported_echien

Would they work with an impact wrench or woud they just chew the hell out of it?

Cynikal.Mindset

they work with a 3/8" drive ratchet or with a open/closed end wrench...I dont really think you would wanna use an impact with these

91blacknight

Success! Picked up those "extract-it" sockets, together with a propane torch, was able to get all the bolts out. Let me tell you, everything was rusted and seized to hell. I even broke a head off one of the bolts. Those sockets saved me. The guide pins on the caliper brackets were seized also. It was a nightmare. It took me all afternoon but at least I saved on labour. Thanks guys for all the help.