Today was to be the day of my first project outside of my audio system. I had everything i needed (I was going to do my front brake pads) but when i got the wheel off i couldn't get the bolt on the bottem of the calliper off. I mean i used WD40 to try and get through the rust and i even broke a socket wrench trying to get this damn bolt off. I must have spent about 30 minutes at it until finally cursing it out and putting the wheel back on. I drove over to goodwrench and they said it would just be $40 to do it. Do you think i copped out or am in the right for finally giving up on this damn bolt?

 

I think you gave up way too early. You broke the socket itself or the wrench?
I've never done brakes myself so I really can't give too much advice.

 

i broke the socket

 

Stasi, are you still doing the carfax thing?

 

Sometimes there is nothing you can do in those situations if you do not have a torch and\or impact. I had no probs getting my front or rear calipers off of my 97 GSR about 3 months ago. For WD40 to work effectively to loosen things up you have to repeatedly spray and let sit to soak in. I had to do it when I was putting in my suspension setup, the stock stuff was a biatch to break loose.

 

I am a mechanic in PA. I do brakes everyday. in our shop we use air wrenches, which would have taken it right our. but since you were at home, or whatever, the best thing to do would have be to use [PB BLASTER] not WD. WD-40 does work its just that PB BLASTER cost about the same and is about 5 times stronger. Your other mistake was probably the size of your wench or wratchet. A bit more leverage would have probably helped you out.

For quick leverage, double up the open end of your wrenches or put a pipe on your small wratchet.

I hope that this helps you out.

 

wow, cant say ive ever broken a socket before... are you sure you were turning it the right way? to get good leverage make sure to turn the wheel to the outside of the side your doing it on... if your on the passenger side bottom bolt(i believe its on the back of the caliper) you would push the wrench down to the ground.

 

****, i've broken many sockets(they get brittle and weak after alot of use) and socket wrenches. thats what is great about craftsman.

 

even though it seemed like you had all of the appropriate tools, did you have a breaker bar? those come in handy. I have both hand tools and air tools and it makes a big difference when doing work on the car. I couldn't live without air tools now that I have a compressor.

 

well, i feel like **** for giving in, but it is only going to be 40 bucks so o well. At least it is over with.

 

$40 just to loosen those bolts or have them replace all your pads at the same time?

 

replace the pads

 

No worries man. You didn't give in. Heck, I couldn't get my lower ball joint to pop so I towed it to a shop and payed them $35 to pop the joint. Best $35 I've spent in awhile. I had already bought about $40 in tools trying to pop it.

A long time ago I was sick of working on my car so I paid someone to change the clutch and install a oil cooler. I was just tired of the clutch problems and I'd already changed one..

 

I just recently broke my socket trying to change my front pads. Sucks *** man!

 

i know that bolt, man that thing bites, lol.. but IMHO if you can't get your pads off it is kind of a cop-out but it's just a reminder to yourself to stay away from DIY in the future, no offense, but just leae it to ASE certified mechanics

Overhaul project broken tool tally:
3 socket wrenches
1 socket
2 sockets that had bolts lodged in them for good
4-5 allen wrenches
2 screwdrivers
... YAY FOR CRAFTSMAN LIFETIME WARRANTIES!!

 

ouch, so you are saying because i couldn't get a damn bolt undone that i should never work on my car again.

 

I'd call BS on that. Some people just have too much money and want to burn it on things like oil changes at Jiffy Lube instead of DIY.

DIY is the way to go. It may not work out perfectly, but if it saves you money then go for it!

 

Yeah, in this case i just ended up not saving any money, but there is always next time.

 

i give up that easily and then i drink an mgd.

 

too bad i'm 16

 

pshhh....never give up. It just makes it that much better when you get it done. To be able to say to yourself, I can do anything. Hell, i got more satisfaction out of putting on a hondata im gasket than a custom turbo kit, just because the hondata im gasket was like 5 times harder. And yes, there is always a next time. But I don't want to hear how you chickened out of your next project .
My recommendation, Purchase a propane torch from the hardware store. That will save countless headaches later. Good luck on your next project.

P.S.- where in kc are you?

 

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it's all good baby.

 

lol the bolts to calipers are the biggest bitch imo....haha we had this one like 96 f150 up on a lift at school once for breaks........and my friend tried to loosen the bolt and the bastard went nowhere....(all air guns were in use) so our teacher tells us to get a wrench with more leverage....so i find a socket wrench with a 2.5 foot handle, so my friend tried again (weighs roughly 145-155lbs) and he just pulls him self up on the handle of the wrench and the ******* bolt goes nowhere....so ppl take turns hanging from the wrench, then my fat *** goes up and hangs from it for about a second or 2 (i weigh 195) fat bastard i am the **** loosens and i end up on the floor lol.....just a little story of mine showing you how much of a bitch those bolts on the caliipers can be

 

yeah i think i had that one. lol. I live in KCMO, in Brookside, just like 2 miles south of the plaza

 

god damn it! i just found out tat the brake place finished my car 2 minutes before they closed. I get to drive my 93 mercury gran marquis tonight. This thing is sex on wheels, so ladies watch out tonight!