Un-doing bolts that have had loctite on them

[rswift]

At some point soon I have to remove the rear bolts which hold on the rear brake calipers of a Citroen C5, they are a well know PIA, mainly as they used loctite, or similar glue at the factory. A few people have used heat to melt the glue .... but I don't fancy that, as it easy to damage other bits in the vicinity as I would only be able to do this with a blow torch.

I guess I know the answer to this, but does anyone know of a magical solution that can dissolve the glue. citroen kindly fitted holes that the glue was originally injected into, so you can access a part of the problem. I think it is a job too far for WD40 though !

[ch427]

once you have broken them with a decent socket/breaker bar they should come out. Never had any problems personally, pain in the arse to unwind but nothing too difficult

[smartphone hater]

Use a decent 6 sided socket rather than a multi point socket & as above a breaker bar & they'll come out.

[littleredrooster]

rswift said:

.... but I don't fancy that, as it easy to damage other bits in the vicinity as I would only be able to do this with a blow torch.

I think it is a job too far for WD40 though !

1. Don't use a blowtorch - use a hot-air paint stripper. They're magic for softening threadlock. Use a plumbers heat-shield mat if there may be 'delicate' components around. DO NOT TRY TO DRY YOUR HAIR WITH IT.

2. WD40 is overpriced, over-rated rubbish which is good for nowt. If you need penetrating oil, get some PlusGas.

[dmitsi]

As mentioned above, a decent bar and socket should see it clear. However if you don't fancy using a blowtorch, try and get one of those little cooks ones for doing creme brulee. Really good for heating up stubborn nuts and bolts and the flame is small and precise so reduces the risk of damaging surrounding bits.

[DrDeAtH]

dmitsi said:

As mentioned above, a decent bar and socket should see it clear. However if you don't fancy using a blowtorch, try and get one of those little cooks ones for doing creme brulee. Really good for heating up stubborn nuts and bolts and the flame is small and precise so reduces the risk of damaging surrounding bits.

If you are resortig to using a chefs blow lamp on caliper bolts you will be in for a long day.

Oxy acetylene is where its at.....

[optimax sniffer]

Also try tightening the bolt, as this will break the loctite bond.

[HustleRussell]

optimax sniffer said:

Also try tightening the bolt, as this will break the loctite bond.

Yep. And if you're really worried about shearing or stripping a threaded fixing, get it undone a quarter turn, then tighten it an eighth, undo it another quarter etc and repeat with mucho penetrant.