3.0si Front Caliper Carrier Bolts

[mjmyers]

Doing pads and rotors for the first time before I get the car out for spring.

Starting on the right front, the upper caliper bolt is a pain to get at with my 16 mm 1/2 inch socket -- the brake line is right in the way.

Anybody else similarly challenged? To me, it appears the solution is to either get a shorter socket or maybe get a flex socket.

Appears its in there pretty light as well - the E90 manual I have says 110 Nm/81 ft-lbs, which is a bit of a yank for inside the wheel well.

 

[mintstuff]

I'm not sure if differs, but I've removed the front calipers from a 2003 3.0 and needed a breaker bar that was capable of bending back on itself (around 120 degrees) to ensure that you could swing it outside the wheel arch. Without this you need to have the car on a ramp.

Does anyone else have any ideas?

 

[mjmyers]

I'm picking up a 6pt flex socket and hoping with the steering cranked all one direction I can get the job done.

Front of the car is up on jack stands, so that's some help. I'd hate to have to disconnect the brake lines just to get this done.

 

[mjmyers]

Got it sussed. The secret is to lay hands on an 18" flex head breaker bar. Then you got your choice of either a flex socket or a nice short socket. Helps to crank the steering all the way over too.

Easy peasey, though did a small amount of knuckle busting just getting the socket onto the brand new breaker bar-- it was a little stiff.