Weekend Warrior Mechanic - Guess I'm Not

[CrystalRedTintcoat]

I planned to swap out my rotors and brakes this weekend in prep for tracking in the spring. Only got one wheel done. Was on the second rear wheel when trying to loosen the caliper bolt when I heard it break free and then felt sharp pain in my still not so healed six month old collar bone break. Turns out it didn't break free. The 3/8" 18mm craftsman socket split half way up the length of itself .. And my collar bone ain't happy. I wasn't using a breaker bar.

I've got to say working in my driveway with a jack stand on the rear jack mount (by the muffler) and the floor jack under the rear jack location (in front of the rear tire) doesn't leave much room to fit a wrench let alone work a wrench with leverage to turn the bolt.

Does anybody here have a suggested set of tools for removing the rear calipers? 18mm 3/8" drive or 18mm 1/2 drive, short socket or long socket, how long of a wrench?

Also, where do you jack up the car and put stands under it?


-CRT

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[White_SS/RS]

I usually put the jack stands under where it bolts to the subframe. As far as the bolt I would think a 15" breaker bar would give you enough leverage. Hope you feel better.

[Ryanbabz71]

When doing mine I broke my breaker bar. Thought it was something on the car but it was the pin in the bar. The hulk tightened the bolts on one of the 3 sides. Sears replaced it no questions asked

As far as jacks and stands I used two jacks for the rear









Ryan

[CrystalRedTintcoat]

@white, thanks for your tips. Here where I jack and stand. Same as what you're suggesting?





-CRT

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[CrystalRedTintcoat]

Ryan, thanks. This helps.


-CRT

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[White_SS/RS]

i use the points in the rear shown in the second pic (floor Jack positions) but put my Jack stands there instread. Ill put the Jack under the unibody about where it's showing the cats. I use a 6" piece of 1x4 to spread the load and it jacks each side evenly

[backeddy]

CRT I am close by in San Ramon, if you need help, just let me know.....Happy to stop by and help out.

[Firefighter]

IIRC I used the box end of a regular wrench to break those loose. I may or may not have used a dead blow hammer to get things moving... lol

I put the front jack stands under the engine cradle and the rear I raise by the diff and put the jack stands on the pinch welds. I have ZL1 ADDON jack pds though.

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[Bizaro]

Originally Posted by backeddy

CRT I am close by in San Ramon, if you need help, just let me know.....Happy to stop by and help out.

Are you close by new york? My car needs shoveling out.

[X25]

I do have Dannmar's MaxJax since 2010; very highly recommended! This unit only requires 89" of ceiling height, so you can easily install it in garages with low ceilings like mine.
http://www.maxjaxusa.com

I had to raise my brother's 1LE on jackstands last summer, and it hardly felt safe. Once you go lift, there's no way back.

Note: if you have a high-ceiling-garage, you should definitely get a regular 7-10K lift. They run only $1500, and they're safer due to the mid-bridge. Think about it; they're cheaper than a full exhaust. Isn't your back and safety worth that much?

[Mark T]

Looking into that now.
thanks X25!

[backeddy]

Are you close by new york? My car needs shoveling out.

I grew up in PA then lived in ID, I am never shoveling that sht again! Now if you needed help pulling your tranny, I am there {plane ticket not included)!!

[toehead93]

I bought an electric wrench, I cannot explain how much easier it makes removing wheel lugs and caliper bolts. You can do it all in a few minutes. Mine has a socket for the DC lighter so I can use it at the track too.

I ran into the same trouble trying to install my racing brake rotors and had to take it in to be finished.

[CrystalRedTintcoat]

Originally Posted by backeddy

I grew up in PA then lived in ID, I am never shoveling that sht again! Now if you needed help pulling your tranny, I am there {plane ticket not included)!!

Nearly the same. Pittsburgh area to IN (Fort Wayne) to San Jose.

Thanks for your offer to help. I'm going to a local mechanic tomorrow. Would definitely like to meet up at some point.