Bolts

[damianshaker]

Been trying to put a new rear caliper on my clio, but cant undo the bolt that connects the brakepipe. I left some wd40 on it for an hour or so to loosen it off but still to tight. then, when i thought it was turning, I noticed that the spanner had stripped the bolt head. What is the best way to undo a bolt that is in this state? Ive tried some grips on it but still no joy. I cant get a socket onto it as the brake pipe runs into the middle of the bolt. Is there any special tool you can buy, or some method?

 

[Infinicar]

Yes, you need a brake pipe spanner. 11mm if my memory serves me correctly.



Paul

 

[iPap]

I have had to file two sides right down and then use an adjustable spanner.

 

[BenR]

Just get a new pipe for about 15 quid with new unions......any brake specialist can make you one up.

cut the old one off and chuck it away.

 

[damianshaker]

Cheers BenR I was thinking that myself, its only a short feed of about a meter, so it will be easy enough to sort. It was an 11mm spanner I used but either the spanner was made a little too big, or the bolt too small. Funny thing is, since fiddling with the caliper yesterday, it has un-seized itself and works fine now!

 

[Alex M]

I had to put a gas torch on my bleed nipples last time to free them, same as brake unions, always a pain in arse to free. Your caliper will start sticking again, they always do

 

[damianshaker]

Oh I know it will, but ive got a nice shiny new one to replace it with as and when it does.

 

[BenR]

replace ALL your bleed nipples whist your doing it, put a bit of copper grease on the threads so they wont sick so much nxt time.

And if they are stuck, hit them with a big hammer on the nose till they come off easy, ill damage the nipples but they are pence each and you wont strip/snap them.

 

[Chris_H]

I prefer fitting the 8mm socket over the bleed nipple then walloping that. Not a direct hit but usually does the job.

Also my favourite alongside the hamer is an electric drill with a wire brush attachment. Use that on it and get some wd in there.

 

[BenR]

WOw....high tech stuff, i stick to the hammer......just have an extra nipple handy....i wish they made ones which dont corrode in 2 mins.

 

[Chris_H]

do you know what really amusues me, the rubber boots on them which trap in the water.

I used to think a hammer sorted everything, but have discovered if a hammer can do it, so can a drill.

 

[BenR]

lol!!!!

yup, and when you squeese them and your under the car you cna get a face full of crud! haha

a drill, i used to use wire brush attatchments for my angle grinder.....till i blew it up from constant use...lol

 

[Chris_H]

my black and deckers starting to sound a bit tired. Its not even mine. I ahem borrowed it from my grandfather about 6 years ago and never gave it back! lol

Its ported heads, cleaned up torsion bars, fitted kitchens and all sorts.

Had to stick new brushes in it a while back, then it was straight back into the thick of it.

 

[BenR]

please please please dont talk to me about porting heads with those sorst of tools, it drives me up the wall....lol

 

[Chris_H]

it does the job. Need to get another flexi extension as mine died.

 

[BenR]

lol......