Did I bugger the alignment?
 

Greetings all,

This might sound a bit naive, but I'm still learning. I tried to
unbolt the front brake caliper on my 88 300e so I could machine
the rotor. The only problem was that the bolts in the back
were too tight. I put a wrench on one bolt and moderately
tapped the wrench with a hammer in the direction it
would lossen. Still no luck.

Afterwards, I thought that might not have been such a
good idea because it might have knocked my alignment out.
Is my fear vaild?

Any tips on lossening the bolts on the front brake caliper
without damaging anything else?

Thanks in advance,

bluebrick

Bigger hammer.

I wouldn't worry about the alignment, but the test I put it through, is whether the steering wheel position has changed. I would advise an alignment anytime the steering wheel isn't where you remember the last time you remembered it. If you make them put it straight ahead, then any time it winds up not straight ahead (over an average of numerous straight road situations).

I'm with Steve - those fasteners are torqued pretty tight (don't remember the number right off the top of my head).

Another note on steering wheel alignment - bad tires can make the steering wheel not center on a car that is properly aligned.

Much Thanks.

bluebrick.

For starters, turn the steering wheel to the left or the right depending on which side you are doing. Then you can get a breaker bar on those bolts. And DO NOT use a socket wrentch and hit it with a HAMMER, a big NO. Use the proper size socket and breaker bar, And you can finish the job quickly.

The rear of the car is a different story since you cant turn the wheels to achieve the best angle of attack.

I did'nt know Canadians said bugger...(sorry for the OT observation!)

Mike.

I don't think it has the same meaning in Canada as
it may have in the UK.

The term in here implies: to make a mess of or
to disorganize.

At least everyone I've ever heard usesit
implies the above.

bluebenz,

As in buggered up, yes its used that way on this side of ocean (but also in the other way too!).

Mike.