Trouble Removing Front Brake Caliper Assy

shenning · 04-10-2008, 06:44 PM

I have a warped rotor on the front of my '99 GP GT 3.8L. The pads and rotors that are on the car are cheap (put on by the previous owner), and I wanted to replace them anyway. So I picked up some new rotors and pads last night and set to work. I was able to get the bolts out of the top portion of the caliper assembly (the portion that holds the pads in). However, the remaining 2 bolts that hold the other portion of the caliper assembly in place won't budge. I haven't been able to come up with a way to break them free.

I can't get my impact wrench in position and getting traction with a socket and break bar is difficult. Can anyone give me suggestions on how to get these bolts out?

I appreciate any help you can give me.

BNaylor · 04-10-2008, 08:20 PM

Start with spraying the two caliper mounting bracket bolts with PBBlaster and let sit for awhile. I have no problems with a short breaker bar or 1/2 drive ratchet and 6 point 15mm socket. The key is getting good leverage.

tblake · 04-10-2008, 08:38 PM

The rear ones shouldnt give you that big of a problem unless they were over tightened. The front ones you can turn the wheel the appropriate direction in order to be able to get a breaker bar in there.

I use a 3/8 inch socket (15mm on front and 14mm on rear I think) with a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter and either use a breaker bar or a 1/2 inch ratchet to break them loose. I've never really had a problem, and I'm not a very strong guy.

Make sure your turning them the right way....... (not insulting your intelligence, but I've done that before)

BNaylor · 04-10-2008, 08:51 PM

It is always counterclockwise on these bolts. You don't have to be strong either.

Unless it is on a lift, using the typical jack it up in the garage or driveway DIY method you get leverage by laying on your back and use your arms as intended. Just have the car jacked up enough and use a jackstand for safety. Works for me.

tblake · 04-10-2008, 09:19 PM

Agreed Bob!

I cant remember how many W body break jobs I've done...

All my friends and family drive w bodys and they seem to be expecially hard on brakes, and when it comes time to replace them, they never seem to buy the expensive parts... "see you again next year!" Is what I always say when they drive off after I get their brakes done. They dont quite understand, but they pay well. I never want to take it, but they make me, they threaten to take their cars to a shop next time if I dont, HA HA

I've got it down to a science, about an hour and a half to do all 4 wheels brakes and rotors. Not too bad being on the ground and having to jack up each corner at a time.

BTW, what is the purpose of that little clip that seems to "retain" the rotor on the lugs on newer w-bodys? I always seem to mutilate them beyond belief trying to get them off and when that happens dont even bother putting them back on. Only purpose of having it that I can see is to hold the rotor in place when you go bolt the caliper back on. Whats the scoop?

BNaylor · 04-10-2008, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tblake

Agreed Bob!

I cant remember how many W body break jobs I've done...

All my friends and family drive w bodys and they seem to be expecially hard on brakes, and when it comes time to replace them, they never seem to buy the expensive parts... "see you again next year!" Is what I always say when they drive off after I get their brakes done. They dont quite understand, but they pay well. I never want to take it, but they make me, they threaten to take their cars to a shop next time if I dont, HA HA

I've got it down to a science, about an hour and a half to do all 4 wheels brakes and rotors. Not too bad being on the ground and having to jack up each corner at a time.

BTW, what is the purpose of that little clip that seems to "retain" the rotor on the lugs on newer w-bodys? I always seem to mutilate them beyond belief trying to get them off and when that happens dont even bother putting them back on. Only purpose of having it that I can see is to hold the rotor in place when you go bolt the caliper back on. Whats the scoop?

You're lucky Tim. All my inlaws (sometimes outlaws) and friends pay me for auto work is beer. Of course immediate family members is technically free. Bunch of "W" and "H" bodies not to mention the three "W" bodies I have. I've got so beer much from them and local GP club members that I had to buy another refrigerator and put it in the garage. Everyone is cheap and skimps on parts quality. Also, I try hard not to take cash or otherwise I'd have to report it as income.

......

Yeah on that rotor retainer clip I just remove and discard. Must hold the rotors in place during the assembly process but not really necessary after the first brake job. But I think some brake shops like Midas or Meineke re-installs them.

On those caliper mounting bracket bolts I think one the reason why they are so tight is no one ever uses torque wrenches on them when tightening. I actually use one and torque to 60 lb-ft.

tblake · 04-10-2008, 10:57 PM

Yep, nice to have two fridges, isnt it? I'm not much of a beer guy, but dad always drinks it, so we've got a basement fridgerator full of beer that I wont drink, but it seems like whenever I buy something I like, other family members drink it. Jerks!

Thats good to hear about those stupid retainers. Must hold the caliper on as the chassis is rolling down the assembly line on its way to get calipers and brackets. You would think them little things throw the wheel out of alignment or something???

Wish you lived near me so I could "PAY" you to put some nice headers on like the ones you just installed on the 3.4L (alero?) right? Those headers looked nice, all your cars are all so clean under the hood. Mines ok, but no where near yours. I dont know, but the original owner must have lived in a tar pit becuase everywhere was covered by this black gunky tar crap. Took a day and detailed under the hood and in all door jambs and things. Tooks some elbow grease to get that crap off.

Off topic here, I'm sorry....

BNaylor · 04-11-2008, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tblake

Wish you lived near me so I could "PAY" you to put some nice headers on like the ones you just installed on the 3.4L (alero?) right? Those headers looked nice, all your cars are all so clean under the hood.

Off topic here, I'm sorry....

A little off topic every now and then doesn't hurt. I've done many header installs over the years. All DIY. I did my son's Alero and my GTP. Also, 4 local installs with other Grand Prix GTPs and GTs including '04 and up models. Oldies include '70 SS454 LS6 Chevelle, '70 Dodge Challenger 440 Magnum and several Camaros with the small block Chevy engine.

We do not get as much rain and snow as you guys do up North so the cars are cleaner overall with less corrosion and rust. But the dust storms get bad so it probably balances out.

I'm quite sure you are capable of doing a header install when the time comes. Best thing to do is take your time, have the right tools, and do it right the first time.

shenning · 04-11-2008, 10:50 AM

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I'll give them a try.

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