Seized caliper carrier bolts...which Irwin bolt-grip set to buy?

[Callum_K]

An age old problem...trying to remove the rear discs on my 8V GTI and the 8mm hex head caliper carrier bolts are proving a right pain to remove. GOing to buy some of the Irwin Bolt Grip extractors, but they do two sets - a base set and an expansion set. Does anybody know which I should buy as I’d rather not spend the money on both!

[Shizzle]

well i suppose it all depends on how many times you will use them and what size you need.

[Callum_K]

Really only thinking about this particular job, hence why I want to know what set/size other people have used as I know the caliper carriers are a common issue!

[tweed]

Ive always used the anti clockwise thread outers. Drill a hole in the bolt then get the outer in it. Works every time

[Callum_K]

That would involve me buying a decent drill bit too to get through the hardened bolt. Would prefer to use the bolt grip things.

[itavaltalainen]

there are different sets, just buy whichever lists the ones you need. I bought the basic + expansion set and have used most of them over the years.

M8 bolt you'll need the 13mm grip nut, unless it's really far gone, then 1/2" might work.

used them on a number of things and they are very good, but not ideal for confined spaces since you need to put them on absolutely square and put them on with a fair bit of pressure (or tap on with mallet carefully) to get them started.

[hobbiniho]

are they not allan key bolts?? mine were and the genuine replacements that i got were aswell  as for the irwins im pretty sure to remove mine one bolt came out with the standard sized irwin and the other rustier one only came out with the one out of the expansion pack that my mate had

[Callum_K]

Yeah they are Allen key bolts so the head doesn't have a size as such, but people have said the extractors grip the round bolt head fine when hammered on. I'll just buy both and just send one set back if I don't need it!

[thai-wronghorse]

You want the base set, I've used them several times to do mk3 rear caliper bolts. Use an old stubby extension bar so yu can whack it onto the bolt and you're away...hopefully. heat helps here as well mate.

[gasketface]

Another tip thats cheap.Find a 16 sided imperial sized socket that will go over the head of the allen key bolt but not quite.Hammer it on but heat the bolt up first.Often works.