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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Nicky753 on 15 May 2011, 02:01

Title: Rear Caliper Brackets???
Post by: Nicky753 on 15 May 2011, 02:01
When tackling a near side rear wheel bearing I found the only way to remove the caliper mounting bracket was to cut it off with a grinder. A trip to Doncaster motor spares got me a used bracket which refurbed pretty well and went on perfect.
Tackling the off side rear bearing went down the same path but thinking ahead I purchased a replacement bracket before chucking the grinder about again.
Strip down, slice bracket off, refurb everything, bearing in, build up.....until I offer the replacement bracket up that is!
The bracket is too thick to slot back between the stub axle back plate and disc and the actual offset of it is such that even if it did slot in the disc would be way out of line.
Is it me that's not paid enough attention when buying the second bracket?
Are there a few different rear brake set ups to complicate things?
The guy at the counter when purchasing the first bracket said they are all the same so I just took his word for it.
Title: Re: Rear Caliper Brackets???
Post by: Wayne on 15 May 2011, 09:35
All mk3's should be the same, mk2 is different.
Title: Re: Rear Caliper Brackets???
Post by: VW BUSH on 15 May 2011, 11:15
Why did you not just drill the bolt heads off? no need to get the grinder out then or buy new brackets......
Title: Re: Rear Caliper Brackets???
Post by: tweed on 15 May 2011, 13:04
Should of used one of these
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5509183171_3bed38c77b_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/59145949@N03/5509183171/)
Photo0370 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/59145949@N03/5509183171/) by tweedub (http://www.flickr.com/people/59145949@N03/), on Flickr
and if you round the head off, use one of these.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5509183161_be5ea3cae3_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/59145949@N03/5509183161/)
Photo0374 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/59145949@N03/5509183161/) by tweedub (http://www.flickr.com/people/59145949@N03/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Rear Caliper Brackets???
Post by: Nicky753 on 15 May 2011, 19:54
We used all sorts of extended leverage, heat, impact guns the works and they wouldn't budge. Shattered 3 allen drives before they got the wizzer! Never thought of drilling the heads off but they'd still be stuck in the brackets rendering them useless.
After comparing the remnants of the deceased bracket, the bit where the bolts screw in on the replacement bracket is almost twice as thick.
Title: Re: Rear Caliper Brackets???
Post by: Wayne on 15 May 2011, 19:56

After comparing the remnants of the deceased bracket, the bit where the bolts screw in on the replacement bracket is almost twice as thick.

Not a mk3 one then as they are all the same, could be Audi or Mk2/4
Title: Re: Rear Caliper Brackets???
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 15 May 2011, 22:19
No need to drill the bolt heads, just use irwin extractors.
Title: Re: Rear Caliper Brackets???
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 15 May 2011, 23:07
No need to drill the bolt heads, just use irwin extractors.

Definitely the best solution for this problem.
Title: Re: Rear Caliper Brackets???
Post by: tweed on 16 May 2011, 07:51
No need to drill the bolt heads, just use irwin extractors.

Definitely the best solution for this problem.


What type are these? socket type extractors?
Title: Re: Rear Caliper Brackets???
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 16 May 2011, 10:07
Yes mate, i got mine from Screwfix but lots of places sell them now.
Title: Re: Rear Caliper Brackets???
Post by: tweed on 16 May 2011, 11:20
cool I know the ones. I borrow my mates when I need to.  :grin:
Title: Re: Rear Caliper Brackets???
Post by: VW BUSH on 16 May 2011, 13:56
We used all sorts of extended leverage, heat, impact guns the works and they wouldn't budge. Shattered 3 allen drives before they got the wizzer! Never thought of drilling the heads off but they'd still be stuck in the brackets rendering them useless.After comparing the remnants of the deceased bracket, the bit where the bolts screw in on the replacement bracket is almost twice as thick.

Not so, you can get them out generaly with your fingers or a pair of grips, worst case grip them in a vice and unwind.
I find this the best method when an Allen socket/stud extractor has stripped itself out.
Drilling out allen bolts is very easy as you have a pilot for your drill already in place, I use a 10.5 for 10mm bolts (0.5mm bigger is the general rule)















Title: Re: Rear Caliper Brackets???
Post by: Nicky753 on 17 May 2011, 20:16
Problem solved, exchanged foreign bracket for correct one without any hassle and we're rolling again!
Some good tips for the future guys cheers!