Seized Bolts / Rust

[Halogen]

Was attempting to remove the front side caliper mounts that are bolted to the hub assembly, they also hold the outer most brake pad and caliper piston unit, but the 2 bolts that hold it were seized so bad that I broke my only ratchet and developed some major back ache in the process. ALL 4 of them were like this !!

Are these damn things purposely over torqued, or is corrosion/oxidation/rust such an issue with the underbody, that you would almost think they are welded to the anchor ?

Thankfully my Rotors are in very good shape, or I might have to resort to more desperate measures...:whoa

Anyways, guys I need some help;

Whats a good way to prevent rust ?

What is a good way to stop rust that is already developing?

What is a good way to loosen seized bolts ?

How much is a good female message therapist, and can I get her to work my ratchet ?

:bana2

[aris]

seized bolts wd-40 , krown lubricat


rust check or krown to prevent rust

[condor888000]

PB blaster is better than WD40. Spray it on, let it sit, then try to remove.

[RBoy8]

WD-40 and if that doesn't work, use a torch and heat up the seized bolt then try loosening.

[Cosmo77]

What size ratchet were you using? If it was a 3/8 ratchet there was no way from the beginning. My 1/2 gun always takes them off, but you likely don;t have that at home. A 36" 1/2 breaking (Johnson)bar should do the trick.

They were not over tightened. Its just corrosion on the threads that stick through the knuckle that is causing your headache. Don;t stick new pads on used rotors, get those bolts out...don;t give up lol!

Cosmo

Mazda TEch

p.s. Don;t put anti-seize on the bolts when you put them back in! Use a few drops of blue loctight (after cleaning the bolts of coarse)

[mazda lover]

What size ratchet were you using? If it was a 3/8 ratchet there was no way from the beginning. My 1/2 gun always takes them off, but you likely don;t have that at home. A 36" 1/2 breaking (Johnson)bar should do the trick.

They were not over tightened. Its just corrosion on the threads that stick through the knuckle that is causing your headache. Don;t stick new pads on used rotors, get those bolts out...don;t give up lol!

Cosmo

Mazda TEch

p.s. Don;t put anti-seize on the bolts when you put them back in! Use a few drops of blue loctight (after cleaning the bolts of coarse)

Great post Cosmo, thanks

[Halogen]

Thanks for the good advise. I didn't know you could use heat to loosen seized bolts, that's a good tip. I'll have to see if I can't get a hold of a breaker bar.

Why can't I use anti-seize on the bolts ? I have the gold/copper stuff, no good ? and this loctight stuff, is this safe to use on other components, ie; brake bleeder valve, brake line connection to caliper ?

[KenYork]

Be careful with all the rubber around your calipers if you're using a torch. May end up costing you.

[Flagrum_3]

Thanks for the good advise. I didn't know you could use heat to loosen seized bolts, that's a good tip. I'll have to see if I can't get a hold of a breaker bar.

Why can't I use anti-seize on the bolts ? I have the gold/copper stuff, no good ? and this loctight stuff, is this safe to use on other components, ie; brake bleeder valve, brake line connection to caliper ?

Anti-seize should not be used on the bolts, as it may cause them to loosen up in service.As Cosmo said; some penetrating fluid and a large breaking bar will do the trick of loosening the bolts....Be careful if heating up anything! If you don't have much practice, leave it to someone else who does, please!!.....Safety first folks!!


_3

[Cosmo77]

Loctight is used for keeping bolts from coming undone. There is many different types. Use the blue ones on caliper cage bolts for insurance.

Anti seize can be used on the pads themselves where the pad contacts the cage. Use some sort of caliper pin lube for the caliper pins and the surface of the pads that contact the caliper and piston

Do NOT use anti-seize on the caliper slide pins. Over time antiseize causes rubber to expand and the fine fine particles in antiseize actually "grip" the pin to the rubber busing in the caliper.

Good luck

Cosmo

[Halogen]

So, what about anti-seize on the pad sides that touch the rotor ? I've read this is alright, or no ?

[condor888000]

Think about this. Your brakes require friction to work. Anti-seize is designed to reduce friction to make it easier to extract a bolt.

Even if someone says its ok, I sure as hell wouldn't do it.

[Cosmo77]

you would want to put anti seize on the caliper cage where the pads sit on them at the top and bottom of the cage....some anti-seize on the pads where they sit in the formentioned area's of the cage is a good idea.

Use some sort of caliper slide pins grease (Permatex makes some great products for this) on the surface of the pads contacting the caliper and the caliper piston. This keeps the pads from 1. Rattling 2. helps cooling a bit 3. Stops corrosion between the pads and the caliper/piston.

Use the same lube on the caliper pins.

Ok, got it? Or do I need to use Crayon now?

Cosmo

[HBP]

Or do I need to use Crayon now?


Not fair dude, not everyone has the experience you do. Good on you for helping out but don't be condescending.

[Cosmo77]

LOL it was a joke...:bana2