Rounded off Allen key bolt :( Need to get it undone

vwmk3jon · September 08, 2009, 08:55:52 PM

Changing my disks & pads. Managed to get the bottom Allen bolt undone but the top one is being a bitch (even with WD40!) and now I can't get it undone with the right sized key!

Any ideas?

lance · September 08, 2009, 08:57:18 PM

wack a torques bit in or anything slightly bigger than the allen key.

PeteG40 · September 08, 2009, 09:03:20 PM

worst case scenario is rip the boot and get molegrips round it, then replace the slider boot

vwmk3jon · September 08, 2009, 09:07:53 PM

I've tried jamming a slightly larger allen key in but no luck. I've already cut the rubber boot off to get a better look. The internal slot is just rounded enough so it won't grip! Grrrrrr

lance · September 08, 2009, 09:16:14 PM

warm up where it goes in then mole grips on, it'll come out.

GAF2 · September 08, 2009, 09:30:30 PM

you can also hammer a multispline socket over it but heating is the best action.

hayesey · September 09, 2009, 09:24:35 AM

don't forget to replace the bolt with a new one once you've been hammering in torq and/or spine bits.

vwmk3jon · September 09, 2009, 10:03:35 AM

Hehe, not gonna use the same bolt chap. I'd have the same problem again in another couple of thousand miles.

vwmk3jon · September 09, 2009, 09:09:19 PM

Got the bolt out :-)

Rammed a slightly larger allen key in and levered it with a wheelbrace and yay, it came undone!

DIsks and pads off, gave afew bits a lick of paint to neaten them up and back together tomorrow hopefully.

Then theres the other side to do!!!!

vwmk3jon · September 10, 2009, 07:38:48 PM

Right, got some bits neatened up and got the disks and pads roughly in place....

BUT i found these which came off and i cant remember how they go back on again...

Also, i cant get the caliper back in place. I know i have to bleed the brakes and this is where i get stuck! Any help?

lance · September 10, 2009, 07:46:56 PM

just shims sit under the pad and on top of the pad in the caliper you'll see how they fit once you offer them up to the calliper. just there to stop the pads rattling as you driving along not braking.

vwmk3jon · September 10, 2009, 08:33:25 PM

Ah ha, I kinda see now cheers. I'll have another look tomorrow.

Any help with putting them back together?

hayesey · September 10, 2009, 09:14:05 PM

I assume the caliper wont go back on because you've not pushed the piston back? Open the brake fluid tank cap while you push the piston back enough so the caliper will fit over. Might need to use a big pair of grips or something to push the piston back. Don't forget to put the tank cap back on afterwards! There should be no need to bleed the system just because of a disc and pad swap although it's generally good practise to do it every so often anyway. After you've done, pump the brake pedal a few times till it goes hard before trying to drive anywhere.

vwmk3jon · September 10, 2009, 09:42:38 PM

Never done this before! Thought it was about time I gave it a go!

Should be an earlyish day at work tomorrow so will continue my quest tomorrow and report back.