280SE 4.5 Brake struggles - need advice

[Bezant]

So I pulled and rebuilt a front caliper and stripped the caliper>hub bolts going back on. (book torque is 11.5 mkp = 83ft lb)


Upper came back out and lower is spinning freely but refusing to come out.


1) smart way to get the lower bolt out...can't access the other side due to rotor


2) replacement bolts, can I get just a high grade metric the right length or do I have to get an exact match with unthreaded portion etc? if so where to source?



3) what are the odds the knuckle threads are ****ed as well. I guess I would helicoil it at that point?

[meltedpanda]

try outward pressure on bolt while turning counter clock wise and hope one of the threads catch
any bolt of same size , hardness will do , use of a helicoil -hmmm Id have to think about that

[Bezant]

Originally Posted by meltedpanda

try outward pressure on bolt while turning counter clock wise and hope one of the threads catch
any bolt of same size , hardness will do , use of a helicoil -hmmm Id have to think about that

So far I tried vice grips on the bolt while pulling out, I'm gonna try again with the weight of the caliper off the bolt.

[tyl604]

Or stick a screwdiver under the head of the bolt and prise up while you are turning the ratchet.

[Bezant]

Originally Posted by tyl604

Or stick a screwdiver under the head of the bolt and prise up while you are turning the ratchet.

it's fully up against the spindle

[meltedpanda]

can you get a saws all metal blade in there?

[Bezant]

Freed up the lower one with a lot of persuasion.

Looks like the spindle has threads so I will try to run a tap and see how the new bolts feel.

[meltedpanda]

Ahhh looks like they are salvageable Don’t be too quick with a tap. See how the bolt goes first.

[TZ_280SEL]

I would source new (new to you) bolts for W108 calipers. If I remember correctly, those caliper bolts have a shoulder.

[Bezant]

Originally Posted by TZ_280SEL

I would source new (new to you) bolts for W108 calipers. If I remember correctly, those caliper bolts have a shoulder.

yes, 2 ordered at $30 each


turning into an expensive brake job.

[Bezant]

had to chase the threads but it cleaned up fine and torqued up.

[TZ_280SEL]

I'm glad it worked out for you. Out of curiosity, did you replace your rotors? If so, where did you find them? I can't find vented W108 rotors anyplace.....at least not for a reasonable price.

[meltedpanda]

I love happy endings

[Bezant]

Originally Posted by TZ_280SEL

I'm glad it worked out for you. Out of curiosity, did you replace your rotors? If so, where did you find them? I can't find vented W108 rotors anyplace.....at least not for a reasonable price.

I replaced the front rotors a couple years ago.


Most places have the wrong part in their EPC. I finally found the right ones at Carquest/Advance Auto.


Carquest WeareverBrake Rotor - Front
Part No YH141622