Finally got my new shock towers, springs and shocks onto my 96 f-150 4wd. Ended up replacing the brake hoses and line, because where they passed through the shock tower was a rusty mess. And then of course decided to replace the calipers, since there was no chance of moving the bleeder screws without snapping them.

drivers side is done, but when I got over to pass side, was surprised that neither of the caliper bolts were there - both had broken off in the steering knuckle at some point in the past, and the caliper was just sitting on the rotor. How It never fell off is something I can’t figure out. But wondering when the bolts broke. Is that something that can happen when driving? I had a shop replace the ball joints months ago, when I had the inspection done. Maybe they broke them off, and didn’t bother to tell me? That is more likely than breaking them while driving, right?

anyways, against my better judgement I tried to pull the broken out piece of bolt with an extractor. Do those things work for anyone? Because every time I’ve ever tried one, I snap the extractor into the broken bolt. Happened again today.

now what? Start looking for a junkyard knuckle? Or anyone have any tricks to remove the lower broken off bolt, and the upper broken bolt with broken extractor in the middle of it?

Thanks

 

No luck here either. They usually break for me too. Try to pick out the broken extractor if you can. I’d suggest carefully drilling out the bolts and chasing the threads in the knuckle. Worst case is you have to get a junkyard replacement.

 

Usually, I'll go at the broken extractor with a diamond bit on a dremel. It takes forever and a day, but if it's a part thats difficult to source, or expensive to locate, it's the only successful way I've found to do it, without access to a mill. In this case, I'd just go find a junkyard knuckle, it's just less aggravation, and it isn't as if they're hard to find.

 

Thanks, I have a few requests out to the local junkyards. I was able to get the extractor out, with a combination of chisels, air hammer, torch, and drill - but I’m pretty sure I’ve whacked up what was left of the threads by now. Was hoping to avoid removing the knuckle, that seems like a real pain - but not seeing much chance of getting this right without doing so. once I have this one off, I suppose it doesn’t make much sense to spend the time removing these broken bolts, and hoping I get the new threads correct. Might as well find a replacement. Napa has news ones, but they are over $400. Surprised LMC doesn’t sell them.

every time I use , and break, an extractor I swear I will never attempt it again. Then a few years go buy, and I’ve got another broken one. Maybe I keep missing dead center when I drill, and that is why I keep failing.

 

Hey, I feel your pain. Cobalt bits sometimes work well for drilling that type of hardened steel, not sure what extractors you have, or if you have one local a machine shop should be able to do it.

Try Torque King. They have them used.

Cheers, 🍻

 

I put the truck back together, with brakes on only three wheels, in order to get to out for work today. - stops fine, but does pull pretty hard to the left when heavy on the brakes! Looks like torque king shows the one I need on their web site. But do not have any in stock - nor did the half dozen junk yards I called today. Might give eBay a try, there are a few there.

 

I have broken up extractors with a ***** punch so I can get them out before. Lots of bad thoughts before I get them out though! lol. After breaking my share of them I usually heat up the area with a torch before putting any pressure on the easy out. Really makes a difference. Also drilling out the bolt as much as you can without hitting the threads helps relieve pressure.

 

I still can’t believe I’ve been driving around, maybe for months, with the caliper just sitting in the bracket with no bolts.

 

Have you looked here?

 

I did. And then called the closest five places that listed one. They either didn’t have it, didn’t answer the phone, or were supposed to call me back to confirm, and didn’t. I bought one on eBay, should be here in a few days.

 

keep us posted