What not to do when installing brakes...

[ilovenicotine]

I decided to do change my brake pads, rotors and sensors myself. I followed the instructions here. It was actually very easy except for one very small but very frustrating problem. I got to the last wheel and stripped the one bolt holding the rotor on! It'a a 6mm hex head (Allen) bolt. (Photos are from my cell phone so bear with me.)


This picture shows the normal rotor and bolt that holds the rotor in place:

Be VERY careful not to strip the bolt or you will have to do this:

As you can see, I had to weld another bolt on to get it out:

A failed attempt at creating a slot with a dremel tool for a flathead (could have worked if I hadn't butchered it!):

As you can see, my name is Joel (artwork by the friend with the welder):

Close up of the hack-job I insued while frustrated and clearly not thinking:


So, what I learned from this: Although I used WD-40 on everything before I loosened things, I should have waited longer and maybe used something designed especially for bolts. But the main thing was that I need to have some patience and a new allen socket wouldn't hurt.

By the way, anyone know why my E-brake barely works now? Like doesn't work on hills at all?

[325iS]

Originally Posted by ilovenicotine

Although I used WD-40 on everything before I loosened things, I should have waited longer and maybe used something designed especially for bolts.

Use some PB Blaster next time. It works very well at loosening stuck bolts.

[Hootie]

Agree with 325is. When I had to take my old rotors off, they were practically rusted onto the hubs. To get the extra torque on those bolts, use a breaker bar. Let some penetrating oil-spray sit on the bolt for about 10 minutes, then give it a shot.

[drz]

Readjust the parking brake cable. It probably just came lose while you were doing the rear brakes.