Massive MOT failure - thanks for the help, singing off for few months!

[Gozza]

The metal for them seems quite soft and I'm scared of just rounding out the allen key socket in the heads. Anyone had this problem before and what did you do about it?

Thats one thing thats bugs me about the mark 2 golfs, the chimp who decided to use allen key bolts in places prone to seizing 

[takethefifth]

The mechanic i go to hammered a star head bit into it ito remove.

Then he says after refitting them - "You could really do with some new ones of those you know...." 

[bungy]

definately get some allen key sockets for a 1/2 inch ratchet. i used the fabled allen with bit of pipe technique..worked...just..though i nearly removed my finger on the arch.!

o and wd40...lots of..

is the mk3 caliper a direct replacement for the mk2 rears?..does it require extra work?

[Steve_B]

Have been looking though the forum, and the bashing a socket onto the head to undo technique seems to work. Anyone else tried it?

[bungy]

yeah i had a totally rounded one (though it was the caliper bolt not the housing), scratched my head for a while. but in the end i filed (roughly) six sides on to it and bashed a single hex (14mm i think) onto it..once it was fully engaged came off easily..new bolt obviously had to be bought.

[Judderi]

You hate garages??!! I run a garage and sell a fair few used parts, but hey-ho,attitude like that gets you nothing. Admitted a grand is f-ing ridiculous, round this way £300-£350 would do it so Christ knows what their labour rate is, but don't tar us all with the same brush just cos some-ones tried to have your pants down.

Well im glad to hear that you pride yourself on running an honest business. But lets be frank, honesty is few and far between these days at garages.

[Steve_B]

Got her through the MOT now 

Only thing I didn't manage to do was the front caliper, fecking bolts did not want to come off and wasted a few tools trying. Oh well, garage did it in the end. Final bill was 65 quid, plus about 150 for parts, a lot better than the grand I was quoted so pleased with the last weeks work.

Going travelling for a few months now, just wanted to say thanks for all the help I got here, this site and the people on it are 

Back in a few months
Steve

[Judderi]

Glad to hear you got it sorted in the end. And your final bill was much more reasonable.