Figured out a trick for stuck brake caliper pins after 20 years of cussing

Had a 2012 Chevy Malibu come in last month with a dragging rear brake. Pulled the caliper and those slider pins were welded in there like they were part of the bracket. Instead of my usual torch and breaker bar routine I grabbed my impact driver with a flat tip bit and gave each one a couple sharp taps. Popped right out without snapping a single pin. Has anyone else tried this or am I late to the party?

2 comments

2 Comments

davis.linda20d ago

Wait... isn't there a risk of mushrooming the pin head with an impact driver though? I mean if those sliders are really stuck tight, the flat tip can deform the slots and then you're really in a bind. I've just found that a good penetrating oil soak overnight followed by some careful heat usually works better for me. Plus if you snap off the head with that impact trick, now you've got an even bigger problem trying to drill it out. Still though, if it worked for you then hey, whatever gets the job done I guess...

morgan51220d ago

Depends on the bit quality and technique, but I've never mushroomed a pin head that was already stuck. Most times those pins are hardened steel and the impact actually helps seat the bit deeper before you start turning.