I am quite annoyed!

I spent the morning trying to get the lower caliper bolt off so I could change the brake pads on my 96. The bolt in question is not a hex head, but a star/torq drive. I cannot get the required purchase to get it to turn, I have the right tools but just cannot shift it. Has anyone else had this problem, if so, how did you solve it?

Ford obviously realised that there was a problem as the bolt was changed for a hex head bolt by the time the 1999-2004 was released (as on my old 2000).

Any help appreciated.

J

 

Use a hammer.

If all else fails.... hit it!

 

Does it look rusted? There is some stuff called rust blaster or something we have here that works awesome on freeing up rusted bolts and nuts.

 

nah, it doesn't seem to be rusted, it is just on very tight!

I will take it to a mechanic with an air gun, that is obviously how it got so tight in the first place.

 

If you have a cordless drill try using that with the hammer action on. Atempt to tighten a little before taking it out.

 

Like these guys said...get some penetrating oil on there first and let it soak, then shock it loose with a rubber mallet. Air tools would be even better if you have access to them!

 

I have been reliably informed that the bolt type in question is not a torq/star fitting, it is in fact a "RIBE". I had never even heard of them, but it seems that they are more usually seen on Italian cars.

Strange.

At least we all know know!

 

The 98 I worked on once had a star bolt on one end of the caliber, but a reveresed star on the other end. As in there was a male on one side and female on the other... so one required a socket with that star pattern and the other required a bit. It was weird.

 

that sounds like someone sheered one of the bolts at some point!