Rear brake caliber bolts

[D R Oldfield]

Hi i have an issue with the rear brake caliber retaining bolts on a 1.9 1997 Z3 they wont budge a 17mm hexagonal socket is a loose fit any one have any ideals how to remove them i am thinking of trying to get a 16mm socket and trying that in the mean time soaking them in penatrating fluid , any one have any ideas ?
thanks

 

[t-tony]

The bolt size is actually 16mm and if they’ve not been undone you will need a breaker bar to loosen them. It is possible that they’ve never been removed.

Tony.

 

[mrscalex]

It’s also possibly encrusted in rust and pretending it’s not 16mm. Have a look close-up. If your near eyesight is as cr*p as mine in low light it’s easy to miss.

As others have said a breaker bar is a must have. It looks like a pointlessly long wrench. But the extra leverage it gives is amazing. Never failed me yet. And I’ve had some stinkers. Mine is 600mm and is £20 at Machine Mart.

 

[NZ00Z3]

If you are buy a socket specially for the job, buy a 6 point socket. Might have to be an impact driver socket. The 6 point socket grips the bolt head on all sides, not just the points, like the 12 point socket. Less chance of rounding the bolt head when putting lots of force on the bolt.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

May be a little late, but if you haven't already removed the body of the caliper, take it off, it'll be a whole lot easier to get to the bolts. If you already have, then I'll get my coat.

 

[D R Oldfield]

Hi thanks for all your help just ordered a breaker bar and a decent 16mm socket also ordered these from amazon dont know if there any good but thought worth a try

 

[t-tony]

If you've ordered a 16mm, 6 point socket you won't need these for this job, but, they are well having in your toolbox.

Tony.

 

[mrscalex]

Agree with Tony. Bolt removers are a great bit of kit to have. But you won’t need them here unless you round the nut.

Halfords Advanced socket sets are decent if you want a nice set. Often on offer so don’t pay full price. The wrenches do wear out eventually but have a lifetime guarantee so keep the receipt.

 

[Andyboy]

Also, buy four new bolts from BMW. Don't use stainless or any non standard bolts as they're known to shear off.

 

[mrscalex]

Also, buy four new bolts from BMW. Don't use stainless or any non standard bolts as they're known to shear off.

Indeed. BMW brake/suspension bolts are high grade and correct replacements are not easily found. And are rarely any cheaper even then. BMW bolts are generally not expensive anyhow.