rants about working on old cars..

[NixGTI]

Just come in from the rain after starting my attempt at replacing the discs and pads on my mk2.... all was going well until the disc retaining screw wouldnt budge, need to drill it out, just need to get a cordless drill etc... that was the right hand side.

left side, the top caliper bolt is rounded before i even get to it (could kill the llittle fcuker who did them last...) So i guess that means getting some more bolts from vw. i think the car will have to stay on the axel stands until next weekend now  

[Stu.750]

Try a stud remover or similar from machine mart

 then just nip the scrappy , all mk2 front baliper bolts are the same i presume

[NixGTI]

yep, might have to get one,  but looking at it there's a rubber sleve over it, if i remove that couldnt i get a pair of grips on it?

hopefully the parts desk at VW will be open tomorrow so i can get another bolt 

[bomp]

I reckon getting grips on it would be a nightmare.

If you do cut through the rubber to get at it though, you could weld an old bolt to the top of it so you can use a spanner on the bolt, or chisel the side of the allen head bolt to turn it anti-clock-wise. Sometimes a quick sharp knock with a chisel is all it needs to get it moving.

[NixGTI]

I've got an angle grinder, if I make a couple of flat sides to it I could get it out easy then.
anyone know what the rubber is for? dont wanna start cutting it away and find it's important!!

[bomp]

Aye, I see what you mean, so you can get an open end spanner on it. but it would have to be perfectly straight so the spanner don't slip. Too much fafin about I reckon.

Another method I use, is to cut through the head of the bolt (about two thirds of the depth) with a hacksaw, then hamer on a slotted screw fitting that then fits onto my impact driver, then give it a good wack to loosen.

Give the screw a quick squirt of WD40 and leave for half an hour, then go back to it. (Yeah I know, WD40 around brake disks. I clean all parts with paint thinners before refitting)

If you brake the rubber then order a new part with the bolts

[NixGTI]

well it's too wet today,and the VW dealer is shut so it'll have to wait for now. not too fussed about WD40 around the brakes, i'm replacing the discs and pads.

bomp, do you mean cut a slot in to the bolt? then use a screw driver bit? wouldn't of thought you'd be able to get enough dept, since the hex key hole will go some way in to it.... i'm a little lost, i need the big print version with big pictures!

I'll ring and order the bits tomorrow.

[topher]

you're supposed to replace those bolts anyway, oem pads come with new ones in the box.

[curlie467]

Have you tried hammering on a smaller socket. Sometimes works. With the disc retaining screw, try to turn it with a sharp pointed centre punch.

[NixGTI]

oh right...i've got some EBC pads, so guess they wouldnt have them.

cheers for all the advice guys btw

and it's not a socket job, at least i dont think it is.... it's a hex bolt, unless it's a standard bolt on the outside of it too... but it's covered with a rubber sleve so i doubt it.