A guy at the parts counter in Memphis swore by a trick for stuck caliper bolts I'd never heard of

I was picking up a rotor for a 2012 F-150 job last Thursday, and the older guy behind the counter saw my order. He leaned over and said, 'Before you fight with those caliper bracket bolts, hit them with a propane torch for a solid minute, then tap the bracket with a hammer. The shock breaks the rust bond.' I've always just used a breaker bar and penetrating oil. Tried his way on the next truck, and it worked with way less effort. Has anyone else found heat and shock works better than just force and oil on those?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_sarah1mo ago

That propane torch trick is the real deal. I've used it on rusty bolts for years.

the_jesse1mo ago

Nah, that's how you blow yourself up.