We've all come across bolts that are stuck, rusted, or just on way too tight. I keep thinking about the last time that I tried to get off the bolts from the rotors on my wife's rav4. Before I do any brake work on the G, I was hoping for some suggestions.

I've tried 1/2" breaker bars, adding pipes, spraying wd40 and other lubricants, but not being the biggest or strongest guy, I always seem to get stuck. Determined to do things differently and not wanting to invest in a whole set of expensive air tools, does anyone have any recommendations about tools or equipment that I can purchase so that I will be able to get even those ridiculously tight bolts off?

Thanks in advance.

 

screw WD-40, use PB blaster, let it soak for 20 minutes, and continously apply it every time you remember, it will really help you. I also recommend a stripped bolt extractor socket set. Its a set of sockets that have teeth in them to grip bolts a normal socket cant because they are stripped or severely rusted. Mine cost me 30 dollars from homedepot and is a lifesaver.

 

Like steve said...WD-40 isn't going to do much. PB Blaster, or I use Liquid Wrench, will work much better. Will definitely take some time to soak and multiple applications in order to be effective. Occassionally tap the bolt to promote better penetration. Then leverage is your friend.

 

Steve nailed it.

 

Seriously, i was skeptical that a spray like PB blaster could really do much, (since i always used wd-40) but it REALLY does a lot. Make my test pipe instal much much easier. Plus its like 6.99 from your local hardware store. What is the real function of WD-40? i mean its clearly not removing stuck bolts

 

PB Blaster is exactly what I've used, but I will continue to apply it more frequently. Will the stripped bolt extractor set work to enhance leverage in any way on a non-damaged bolt?

 

I have air tools which work great. If you dont want to inves in those, Id say that the things you absolutely need to have are:

A 1/2" or 3/4" breaker bar a minimum of 24" long. The longer it is, the more torque you'll create. I have this one.



A set of EZ-Outs and a set of damaged bolt removers. A must.



Also have a couple of different sized gator grip sockets in your arsenal.



PB Blaster works great for me, better than WD-40. I also have some penetrating lube called Kroil that is great but it's expensive. Look into it.


Good luck.

 

^^^ ive heard kroil is the motul of penetrating lubes, good luck

 

That was a great post Black Betty, I used that as a guide when I went into the store.

I got myself a 3/4" 24" length breaker bar with a number of 3/4" sockets. I actually already have those "easy outs" and damaged bolt removers. I couldn't find a gator grip in the store so I ordered it off amazon. These 3/4" sockets and breaker bar are massive. Combined with a nice quality lubricant, I can't see how it wouldn't work!

Thanks for the help.