I just replaced the rear brakes on my 97 Monte. The drivers side caliper is seized on the sliding pin on the carrier. Thus my pads are wearing prematurely on that side. I tried beating the hell out of it but it wont break loose. Anybody encounter a similar problem? Any suggestions?

 

Heat. It does wonders.

 

+1 I had to fight the fronts on the Formula. Out came the propane torch. It only took a few seconds with the burner to get it all loosened up. As always, make sure there's a functional fire extinguisher within reach.

K

 

Penetrating oil would work aswell, but im not a fan of oil and brakes.

 

I dont have access to a good heat source so I would have to take it to a shop and have them torch it. I thought about penetrating oil but I dont like using it around brakes either. I guess I could give it a shot by just unbolting the caliper and carrier and keeping the oil off the rotor and pads.

 

In the absence of a torch, you could spray it with a little PB Blaster and tap it several times at each pin boss with a brass hammer. Bear in mind you'll want to follow up with brake cleaner. I didn't care since I was harvesting spindles for Ed Miller and preparing to install his LS1 brake kit in the same stroke.

K

 

Swing by a parts store and grab a small 14 oz. propane torch kit, costs like $20 and will do the job.

 

I didnt even think of buying one of those little torches. How the heck would I heat the pin though? Would I just heat the outside of the caliper around the pin? I guess i would have to buy no boot seals as they would be completely disintegrated. And what about the brake fluid, I dont imagine it would be too good to have fire that close to brake fluid

 

If you have any intention of NOT rebuilding the caliper keep heat away form the piston and especially the seal around it. Best bet is to soak it liberally with KNOCKER LOOSE or some variation for several days, then take the hammer to persuade it out. Brake parts cleaner will get rid of any of the knocker loose left over.

 

Just use a pencil tip and keep the heat focused to the area's that the slide is stuck at.

As for fire near brake fluid, as long as you dont expose the fluid itself to the flame, you'll be fine.