Caliper bolts - what tool?

[Doug Kuhlman]

I am doing the brakes on a 2008 Expedition Limited. What tool is needed to remove the front caliper bolts?

 

[Trainmaster]

Depends on what the last guy installed. I needed a 9mm Allen key to remove the old caliper pins. The Motorcraft replacement pins used an 8mm Allen. Hope you have better luck; the 9mm was hard to find.

 

[Robert Smith]

I think mine was 9 mm but you will need an impact wrench. I didn’t have one and I could not get them to budge. I ended up paying my mechanic to install my parts.


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[Doug Kuhlman]

Just got a 9mm from AutoZone, the last one they had. I have an 8mm that didn't fit. I have an impact wrench, but the spec is only 55ft-lbs. I've done plenty of brakes and never needed an impact. I guess whoever did your brakes last over- torqued them with an impact.

 

[Doug Kuhlman]

the 9mm fits. thanks

 

[Doug Kuhlman]

Mission accomplished, the caliper bolts didn't take much effort to break free

 

[sjwelds]

So is it a hex or a torx?

 

[Doug Kuhlman]

Hex

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

I guess whoever did your brakes last over- torqued them with an impact.

I think some people just use an impact for everything because (a) they're lazy, (b) they have one and just like manufacturing uses for it, or (c) a little of both. I've seen people assemble metal patio furniture with one. :x

 

[TobyU]

I have never seen a caliper bolt that i couldn't turn with a 1/2 inch ratchet. 3/8 is plenty for 98% of them.
I have seen bolts slip and strip out though.