Can't get my calipers off, got any suggestions?
 

Ya, that's right, I can't get my calipers off. I have been trying to paint them and have been unable to loosen up the thing. I have tried using the 19mm socket wrench method and can't get the stinking bolts out of there. Anyone got a how-to of getting these basturds off?

Use a 19mm socket and a breaker bar. They are torqued on there pretty well. If you can't do it with that you can put a steel bar/pipe on the end of the breaker bar, that should definately give you the torque needed to break the bolts loose. Turn your wheel so you can get it on there at an appropriate angle. BTW why is this in the wheel and tire forum lol.

OK, thanks. Also, is there any easy way to plug the brake line when I disconnect it from the caliper?

I posted this in the tire and wheel forum since I figured the caliper was part of the tire/wheel and because there is some tough moderating going on in the 5th gen forum now.

put a rag over the line and crimp it with wisegrips :)- this only works on OE rubber lines.

i just use a mallet and hit the wrench, not all hardcore smacking it, but a bunch of small taps, after a while they all break loose. breaker bars dont seem to help me much, they tend to break bolts more often.

That's a good way to damage the line. Just let it drip. Most likely his car hasn't seen a brake fluid flush since the day it was put in from the factory. Probably needs a fluid flush anyway

So can I flush all the fluid by just disconnecting all the brake caliper lines and letting them drain or what?

dam it lance..what are you doing now?? :laugh:

you will need to pump the brake pedal to completely flush the fluid

I am not doing anything right now but sitting up in my office. It's so dam cold outside I can't do anything on my car.....which means the coolant I pre-mixed yesterday for the coolant flush I didn't get to is just going to be sitting in my house until it warms up again.

I won't be taking the calipers off until it gets warm again due to the fact that I can not use the VHT caliper spray paint below 70 degrees.

Use it indoors in a closet!

Dealing with paint on a somewhat daily basis, I can tell you that "below 70" is a suggestion for "optimal results." This is mainly for drying times and the like but not for adhesion. I've seen "not to be applied below 70" paint go on steel ship hulls at 20 degrees and it didn't come off until it was blasted off a few years later. Just letting you know that temperature shouldn't stop you from painting... it may stop you from wanting to paint, though! lol Good luck getting the caliper off and with the project!

Breaker bar and PB Blaster

What color are you spraying your calipers? I would like to see how it comes out once you finish the project. I am trying to get some ideas what color looks good.

Red, Gold, and Purple are the most highly regarded on this board.

hey eric i thought about lime green for my calipers, what do you think. jk if i did that i would shoot myself, i think that soonr1 is going with gloss black

I think if you did that you would have no shortage of people to help you shoot yourself. :D

Ya, as xlcrew said, I am going with gloss black.

Work out...... and try again..... what more do you want us to say. j/k man. Hope everything works out.

I used a ratchet and a rubber mallet. Keep smacking it and it will come loose.

Oh God, Jason is giving brake advice. God help us all :nervous:

On a serious note, the breaker bar is the way to get those 19mms off or if you have access to a cordless Impact :gapteeth:

breaker bar is your best friend

That's a very good way to damage your ratchet. 1/2 socket with a breaker bar is best. Attach a cheater bar if necessary.

But with the level of mechanical skill I'm sensing here, I'd highly recommend either waiting until spring or painting them on the car. Just don't be a ricer and paint the whole rotor too. hehe

LOL, mechanical skill you're sensing?? What is that supposed to mean Jeff? :lol:
I am not going to spray paint anywhere near my car, so I am waiting until I can get the caliper off.

LOL nothing :lol: I meant nothing :gapteeth: Nothing at all :igor&donk

You don't need to remove the calipers to paint them.. and don't need to remove them to flush the system.... just clean them very good and paint them... cover anything you don't want to paint and that covers it. To flush the system open the screw to release the oil, and press the brake pedal .......

I am not sure if you read my earlier post, but I absolutely will not spray paint anywhere near my car. It's a general rule I live by. Especially with as windy as it is all the time here in OK.