my damn pad-pin covers are stuck beyond stuck. Anyone have complete calipers they can part with cheap? (~$50) I have new pads sitting in the garage, so I don't care if the pads are spent. or if someone knows of an inventive way to un-stick the covers that would work too. I was tempted to drill them out and look for the plugs only, but that seems like a total last resort... Thanks, - Chris
An 1/8'' easy-out works great at getting them out. Make sure you use anti-seize next time and don't over tighten them.
thanks - i may give that a try. the previous owner tightened them, and I don't know what he was thinking... I am going to try some liquid wrench, I just don't want to get that stuff on any of hte rubber seals.
They are always hard to get out due to the heat generated by the brakes. I doubt the PO over tightened them, I usually have to hammer on my screw driver a couple of times to break them loose when it's time to change pads. Make sure you're using the right size screwdriver (biggest and squarest flat blade you have) and put as much weight behind it as you can when you're trying to break them loose. If your really stuck and need some I have some calipers I'll trade you for your stuck ones.
RK, by pad-pin covers, do you mean the small threaded plug that is screwed over the brake pad pins to prevent them from backing out? If so, then after you get them off, don't replace 'em. Instead, drill a small hole near the lip of the well that they screw in to and run a small loop of safety wire in the hole. It should look like an earring. It doesn't have to cross the opening. Just that bit of safety wire will stop the brake pad pin from completely backing out. I wish I could lay claim to being bright enough tho have thought this up myself, but Sauce showed it to me :up: Lemme know if you do want replacement calipers though. I believe I have a spare set in my garage.
PB Blaster is great stuff. But if that fails, just drill the little plugs to bits. Ya won't need to replace 'em (if you do the safety wire thing).
Same thing happened to me. I replaced them with a used set I found. I have a set I removed if you need them. Right caliper cap stuck, left is free.
What side do you need? I had 1 side totally freeze up on me too, but I think the other caliper is fine. I have to go look.
tried this on my calipers and it didn't do anything. I had to find used ones... found a pair on ebay for like 30 bucks so it wasn't a big deal.
