bobbuild Posted June 21, 2009 Report Share Posted June 21, 2009 In the process of replacing the rear discs on an 8v Golf GTI Mk2. I've managed to do one side but the brake carrier bolts on the offside are absolutely solid. I've drowned them in WD40 and tried a bit of heat but they just will not budge. It feels as though the hex socket is starting to get a bit sloppy and I am worried that I may round them off if I use any more force. Anybody had a similar problem and if so how did you get round it? Any advice gratefully accepted!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted June 21, 2009 Report Share Posted June 21, 2009 Im guessing you have hit them a few times with a hammer too? Try tightening them first. It helps brake the 'grip' especially if they have started to roundoff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted June 22, 2009 Report Share Posted June 22, 2009 Do NOT tighten them Bob. Heat it the only way to get them off, unfortunately. Only use a hex socket - don't use a multi-hex one. If you do end up rounding off the bolts, you'll need to hacksaw off the ends and slide the carrier off, then use more heat and a pair of mole grips on each bolt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted June 27, 2009 Report Share Posted June 27, 2009 (edited) Do NOT tighten them Bob. . May i ask why you so strongly disagree ? If you try tighten it, it brakes the hold/seal it has, therefore it makes it easier to loosen. Its a tried and tested method for any bolt just about any mechanic uses especially if you have started to round the bolt off. Edited June 27, 2009 by Snoopy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 If you use a proper hex socket (not a multi-hex socket) then you shouldn't have the problem to start with. I worked as an auto engineer for a long time and tightening before loosening was never a practice I saw or knew of anyone using. If you try to tighten and already tight bolt, you're applying an excessive amount of torque to the bolt head, so you risk stressing the metal and shearing it off. WD40 and heat are your friends on older cars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 (edited) You only slightly tighten it too crack the rust/corrosion seal nothing more. You hear it free itself. I don't know any mechanic that does not use this technique its a very well known thing to do in the industry and it often works were heat and wd40 for many attemps have previously failed, especially if you have slightly worn the head by that point. Your applying excessive amounts of torque to the bolt to loosen it when its rusted/corroded in to start with. Applying opposite forces after many attemps the otherway can be benificial. I have never heard of anyone shearing the head off in 30+ years in the industry with this option were more and more heat/cooling/force to loosen it easily will. Ive used this countless times on my many 50s, 60s and 80s restoration projects as well as when i was in the trade without any problems were the other options have failed. Each to there own though. Edited June 30, 2009 by Snoopy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 Each to there own though. Aye Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarmac_Terrorist Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 All the wiser for posting Bobbuild? Let me help you make the right decision and show you previous work from these two thoroughly helpful chappies: Snoopy:- I have never heard of anyone shearing the head off in 30+ years in the industry with this option were more and more heat/cooling/force to loosen it easily will. Ive used this countless times on my many 50s, 60s and 80s restoration projects And now the trusty Mr Mook who says: I worked as an auto engineer for a long time and tightening before loosening was never a practice I saw or knew of anyone using. If you try to tighten and already tight bolt, you're applying an excessive amount of torque to the bolt head, so you risk stressing the metal and shearing it off. WD40 and heat are your friends on older cars :p:p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 That reminds me - I must give Snoopy back that hammer that's on my workbench Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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