'99 2500 front caliper bracket

Trouttrooper · February 28, 2005

Ya first post, but I've been an "observer" for a few years now. Just never had a problem that a quick search couldn't solve.

Anyway, my '99 2500 has been doing some pretty bad shaking up front when the brakes are applied. Figured it's warped rotors so I thought I'd just take those in to a shop and see if they can be resurfaced or if I need new ones. Pads still have a ton of life on them.

Got the caliper off no problem, but I'm starting to think I'm missing something in taking the caliper bracket off. I've managed to bend my big box end wrench and after that I managed to put a nice bend in my breaker bar as well trying to get those two bolts off. Can't get my air impact wrench to fit around the suspention etc. although I plan on running into town today and see if I can't get a longer extension or something for it to make it fit....plus a new breaker bar

I put some liquid wrench on them last night hoping that will help. Is there something "different" with these bolts or do I need to invest in a heavier duty breaker bar?

Thanks for any help.

asilverblazer · February 28, 2005

Have to make sure you are turning the right way. My 1/2 ton wasn't nearly that hard.

Trouttrooper · February 28, 2005

I started to wonder after awhile. Unless they are left-handed threads I am going the right direction.

karld · February 28, 2005

I started to wonder after awhile. Unless they are left-handed threads I am going the right direction.

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The bolts have loctite applied from the factory. I had to use a cheater bar on a breaker bar to loosen mine. I had more problem with those lousy torx head caliper bolts.

Trouttrooper · March 1, 2005

Well, I got a swivel joint for my air gun. No such luck though. Even at the 300 ft/lb it is rated at wouldn't budge the bolts. So now Midas gets to try and remove them Wednesday. Those bolts must have been soaked in loctite when they were installed.

hvac1000 · March 1, 2005

The easiest way to get Loctite to loose its grip is with heat. Many parts use on aluminum marine motors are required to be assembled with Loctite. Taking the apart is a real pain. Naturally a torch woud be a good way to apply heat but with aluminum you have to be real careful. Years ago I got a giant soldering iron with a tip about the size of a quarter. I apply the iron to the head of the bolt for a minute or two and off comes the bolt/stud. Red Loctite has been known to take the aluminum threads out with it if you do not use heat.

tfpary · March 1, 2005

Use heat to soften the loctite! Mapp gas at the least, try not to burn/melt anything. I had the same problem on an old Cougar that I drove for a while - had a heck of a time getting the caliper bolts out - heated them up ang they came out grudgingly.

I see you already took it to Midas - good luck with them!

tad

Trouttrooper · March 4, 2005

Hey thanks for the replies. Guy at midas said the rotors were beyond resurfacing. I kinda figured that would have been the case.

He told me he could do a whole brake job for me for some ridiculous price. I politely said no and to just replace the rotors up front. I think he was a little dissapointed that he wasn't going to make as much money.