Caliper mounting bracket bolts rounded off

Tiny
ROYCAR71
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
  • 5.3L
  • 5 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 158,621 MILES
I was able to break lower bolt by turning wheel and using long pipe over ratchet handle. But wind up rounding off top bolt of bracket. Is there anotherway to remove it? Thanks.
Friday, May 28th, 2021 AT 6:28 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

They make specific sockets for stripped bolts. You can try something like that. Or, go to the next smaller size socket and see if you can hammer it onto the bolt.

Other than that, you will need to remove the spindle to gain better access to the bolt.

I know these things can be extremely tight. That, in addition to corrosion and dirt, makes them really difficult.

I attached a pic below of what the extractors look like. They are designed specifically for the removal of rounded-off bolts. My biggest concern is if the bolt will still be too tight for them to work.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Friday, May 28th, 2021 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
ROYCAR71
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I wound up using bolt extractor from Harbor Freight. I filed edges of bolt to get it squared as possible than I hammered 17mm over 18mm and turned wheel so I could have better leverage with pipe and breaker bar and it slowly came off. I hope back wheels don't have this issue when I do them. I think problem was I used 12 point socket over hex socket.
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Sunday, May 30th, 2021 AT 12:54 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I'm glad to hear you got it off. And yes, with a 12 point socket, it is much easier to round off a bolt.

Are you doing the rear brakes next?

Joe
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Sunday, May 30th, 2021 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
ROYCAR71
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Yes, and just finished all wheels bolts were tight and used hex socket.
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Monday, May 31st, 2021 AT 4:52 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
I'm glad to hear you got them. Anytime you are working with something that by nature is tight, a six-point socket is the best thing to use.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions. You're always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, May 31st, 2021 AT 8:42 PM

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