What's the easiest way to get the front brakes off?

[HISSIN50]

Trav my friend, I'm afraid I'm as lost as you. My first thought was like yours - getting the piston to retract (Duncan, that's what the tool I mentioned is for. If you need a clamp for something else, that tool aint gonna do much).

And then there was talk about guys talkin real sweet to the bolts and even pouring beverages on them to help get them off. I think I should have waited to post on this one - hopefully my posts didnt confuse things.

 

[hollywoodstang]

"talkin real sweet to the bolts and even pouring beverages on them to help get them off" LMAO

SPIT ON IT. It's like wd-40 but better

 

[xr8d302]

And then there was talk about guys talkin real sweet to the bolts and even pouring beverages on them to help get them off.

hahahahaha oh man....wow....

I have more pics of Stephane's brake set up, just gotta get'em off of my camera, been too busy this week to post'em

 

[MysteryMachine]

was that meant to be a joke?

if it was serious...

what kind of a torch do you use? I put a propane torch to the bolts before getting on them, but it may not be hot enough. How long do you leave it on for?

Serious and a joke. When using a tourch sometimes you gotta leave it on there for a long freaking time

 

[trav_19]

you can use a torch on the bolts i would recomend moving it around and heating up the area too if you just heat one spot on the head you could make the bolt brittle and break

 

[Therian]

brakes are off...it was pretty damn easy once the PB had soaked in and I got the breaker bar on it.

now for the tie rod ends. Is it a metric size nut? I had a 7/8 wrench on there, but it seemed too loose. I didn't want to get on it for fear of stripping the nut.

I'm going to do a bit of searching and see what I come up with

Also, am I going to be able to do the control arms without a lift? It seems as though I'm going to need a decent amount of clearance under the car in order to get a big enough bar on there.

 

[MysteryMachine]

you can but its a bitch I did mine on jack stands. And trav you do it where the threads are not just on the head (hmm that sounds kinda wrong)

 

[94-302-vert]

Basically our cars are metric. The engine and driveline are standard, the rest of the car is metric... gotta love that huh?

 

[Therian]

Basically our cars are metric. The engine and driveline are standard, the rest of the car is metric... gotta love that huh?

Did not know that

 

[xr8d302]

I found that out while cursing and swearing at Ford for using so many size bolts

Come to think of it, I would like to know which size ford used the most....

 

[Therian]

Come to think of it, I would like to know which size ford used the most....

probably whatever size is most prone to seizing up

 

[1TallMF]

I've noticed that Ford likes to use 10mm head bolts and blue thread locker. I broke two 10mm sockets today because of that. Bastards!

 

[WhiteCobra95]

Let us know how the '03 Cobra a-arms turn out. I bought some last year for my car but didn't have time to install them before I put it away for the winter. Also, are you using the stock caster camber plates? I have read that the cobra arms push the ball joints out 0.75" and I'm concerned about tire clearance to the fenders and alignment. I'm running the stock 255's on my car, and I'm concerned that there could be problems once I install the arms with C-springs. The tires kind of stick out as-is, and with white paint I can tell exactly where the dirt is hitting the side of the car. If these arms make that wors, I might get serious aobut installing flares to save my paint.

Thanks - whitecobra95

 

[HISSIN50]

brakes are off...it was pretty damn easy once the PB had soaked in and I got the breaker bar on it.

And by PB, do you mean Courvoisier?

now for the tie rod ends. Is it a metric size nut? I had a 7/8 wrench on there, but it seemed too loose. I didn't want to get on it for fear of stripping the nut.

If all else fails, Whitworth wrenches generally fit. [ok ok, only the old timers are laughing].

Also, am I going to be able to do the control arms without a lift? It seems as though I'm going to need a decent amount of clearance under the car in order to get a big enough bar on there.

As said, doing should not be a biggie with floor jacks and stands.

Good luck!

 

[MysteryMachine]

And by PB, do you mean Courvoisier?

what the hell is that???

 

[HISSIN50]

what the hell is that???

Haven't you seen the Ladies Man?

 

[MysteryMachine]

Nope

 

[Therian]

Let us know how the '03 Cobra a-arms turn out. I bought some last year for my car but didn't have time to install them before I put it away for the winter. Also, are you using the stock caster camber plates? I have read that the cobra arms push the ball joints out 0.75" and I'm concerned about tire clearance to the fenders and alignment. I'm running the stock 255's on my car, and I'm concerned that there could be problems once I install the arms with C-springs. The tires kind of stick out as-is, and with white paint I can tell exactly where the dirt is hitting the side of the car. If these arms make that wors, I might get serious aobut installing flares to save my paint.

Thanks - whitecobra95

No CC plates yet. I can tell I need them though, even with the C springs. I'll let you know how they turn out. I'll be running 18s up front with 275s...we'll see how it goes.

I have a website to finish before may 1st...It's taking my time up until I can get out to work on my car. Oh well, gotta get paid