Brake Bolt Rounded

[Pbpd183]

I went to replace all my brake pads when I noticed the top bolt on the front left caliper is completely rounded. it is tucked right in between the caliper and fork so I'm having trouble getting some vice grips on it. I do have a new set of bolt ordered.

Any tips or tricks for getting this thing out?

[Lucasind]

....can ya post a picture so we can see it ?

[Pbpd183]

[triton28]

one possible way to remove it would be to carefully cut a slot into the remaining head stock using either a hacksaw or a 4-1/2" mini grinder with a .045 Zip disc and use a hand held impact driver. Just a thought.
Dave

[davidl]

Just my 5 cents but that looks more like a cap of some sort than a bolt. Bolts on mine are allen screws.

[chevyman1]

You could try pounding a 7/16 standard 12 point socket on it.
if you have an impact driver use that to loosen it.
use a craftsman socket that way if you split or damage it you can get it replaced no charge.

[Pbpd183]

one possible way to remove it would be to carefully cut a slot into the remaining head stock using either a hacksaw or a 4-1/2" mini grinder with a .045 Zip disc and use a hand held impact driver. Just a thought.
Dave

I thought about that. But I doubt I would have enough torque to listen the bolt that way. I'll save that for 2nd to last. Right before drilling it out. Thanks for the reply.

[Pbpd183]

You could try pounding a 7/16 standard 12 point socket on it.
if you have an impact driver use that to loosen it.
use a craftsman socket that way if you split or damage it you can get it replaced no charge.

I will try that next. Thank you.

[Pbpd183]

Just my 5 cents but that looks more like a cap of some sort than a bolt. Bolts on mine are allen screws.

Yeah. My rear caliper is hex. Both the fronts are chrome flanged bolts. It looks like a cap now because it is so rounded.

[doug of so fla]

You can drill a hole in the head and try one of the many bolt extrators or as they call them e-z outs, Hardware or auto parts stores have them..

FYI: These bolts DO require a torque wrench to tighten as they are steel FLANGE bolts and the plate they go into is hardened steel with fine threads and if overtightened by just a couple lbs they will be VERY hard to get out. They are made this way because they are to hold the brake calipers on under alot of stress & heat!! The ones in the photo are kinda recessesed are harder cause you cannot get ahold of them. Check the manual for the proper torque and NEVER go past it or they will freeze in there. Always only use a 6 point socket on them. Don't have a manual handy and do not want to guess so will not post torque value.

[Pbpd183]

You can drill a hole in the head and try one of the many bolt extrators or as they call them e-z outs, Hardware or auto parts stores have them..

FYI: These bolts DO require a torque wrench to tighten as they are steel FLANGE bolts and the plate they go into is hardened steel with fine threads and if overtightened by just a couple lbs they will be VERY hard to get out. They are made this way because they are to hold the brake calipers on under alot of stress & heat!! The ones in the photo are kinda recessesed are harder cause you cannot get ahold of them. Check the manual for the proper torque and NEVER go past it or they will freeze in there. Always only use a 6 point socket on them. Don't have a manual handy and do not want to guess so will not post torque value.

Thank you Doug.

[ekap1200]

Just my 5 cents but that looks more like a cap of some sort than a bolt. Bolts on mine are allen screws.

Yeah. My rear caliper is hex. Both the fronts are chrome flanged bolts. It looks like a cap now because it is so rounded.

It was a hex, socket head you can somewhat see that in the photo, BUT then a cap screw socket was driven onto it. Spay some bolt ease from the other side to get at the threads and give it a few knocks the next day with a brass drift and try what Chevyman had said. drive a socket onto it. better yet if you can still get an allen wrench into the hex then drive a socket to tighten up around the key. Bad luck on this one. The key is too get some sort of fine penetrating oil into the frozen threads. Good luck on this one.

[Me Again]

It looks like you might have enough head left to use a hammer ratchet.
They are spring loaded and when you hit it with a hammer it drives forward and turns the bolt out .You can pick one up most anyplace that sells tools
mine is 1/2 inch drive,use a good 6 point socket

[Avidrider62]

That happened to me too. I took the tire and caliper off, leaving the black bracket on. Sawzall the black bracket where the bolt goes in. Ordered another cheap caliper asm. Now I own an impact and sockets to get calipers off. Chrome bolts, Carl and I own a few