So I decided to change my pads today and everything was going smoothly until I got to the last rear caliper, figures.

The bolt on the top of the caliper just keeps spinning it doesn't back out at all.

I've tried to get a flathead in between the bolt and the caliper while I used a socket to try and push it out but that didn't work.

Any other ideas of how I'd be able to get that bolt out?

Any help would be appreciated.

Josh

 

Do you have Brembo calipers? Are you talking about the 19mm bolts?

 

no, i have non-brembos, its a 14mm bolt

 

That bolt is actually a sliding pin, you may have to cut the head off. You could also try removing the caliper bracket and see what that does for you.

 

is this the bolt with the smooth shaft? it's usually a gold-ish color? or the bolt behind the assembly to remove the whole thing? I forgot which one was the 14mm...if it is the smooth bolt it may have stripped?

 

that is the bolt in question

 

when you put the wrench on it, did it turn freely anyway? or did it have a good amount of resistance and then turn freely? or did you feel it go from a lot of resistance to instant free spin? Just trying to figure out if you stripped it or its stuck

oh yea, and can you see any of the threads? if so, is there material on them? like you pulled the aluminum out

 

I had to put a good amount of force to get it to turn initially, i'm pretty positive that I stripped it.

And I can't see any of the threads at all.

 

It's most likely stripped. You may have to cut the head of the bolt off like terramask said, or keep trying your flathead-prying method. After that, you will have to get another one from the dealer most likely. To repair the stripped thread, take the bolt to a reputable hardware store (or maybe an autozone, but not sure if they have it) and buy a Heli-Coil to match the thread. Then follow the directions on how to install the heli-coil. I have used them on those pin-bolts before and it works as a perfect repair.

By the way - this is what they look like:

http://www.emhart.com/brands/heli-coil/

once installed, you may have to trim that little "stopper" at the end of the coil so the pin-bolt can pass through it.

OR you can get to the dealer and order a new caliper bracket. That would definitely be the easiest of choices.

 

Those heli-coils are pretty cool, or you could just get a new rear caliper from a forum member.

 

Wired, you bring up a good point...and the best part about this is that I sit here, sorting through pics to put up for sale while I await your replies for progress... and I happen to have a rear caliper (well, its from a set of 4 but who buys rears?) for sale! this is too funny because it NEVER came to mind I had this sitting behind me haha. Really sorry - so if you are interested J-man shoot me a PM and I would love to help you out. It's off an 08' with 50k on it but it is in great shape and should fit your car - and best of all....its ready to ship ASAP. PM me for pics!

 

Two things are really easy to get on the forum -

stock exhaust
stock brakes

Maybe stock springs too...

 

lmao off Wired you just reminded me I also have an OEM exhaust lying around with my OEM brakes.

 

flecko I appreciate the help and insight

I have an extra set of calipers, so i'm just gonna go ahead and swap out that rear one. Seems like the easiest option.

 

good luck man! should be an easy swap

 

nvm.