The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Wheel cylinder bolts stuck

Hello,

I'm doing a brake job on a '50 3100. I can't get the bolts out of the wheel cylinder to remove it. I can't use a box end wrench because the block that the brake line screws into is in the way. An open end wrench just slips off. I've used PB over the last two days with no success. 1) does anyone know if that block unscrews so I could gain access to the cylinder bolt with a socket? 2) Is it safe to use a torch on the bolts, given the gas tank isn't too far away and some small amounts of brake fluid would be close as well?

Thanks for any input.

There should be a bolt holding the block for the brake line on. Take that off to get access to the wheel cylinder bolts. You'll need to remove the brake line anyway to remove the wheel cylinder.

I would disconnect the brake line and drain it and move it away from the backing plate. Disassemble the wheel cylinder as much as possible and clean as much brake fluid out as you can. Heat the wheel cylinder from the front side, near the bolt bosses, try the bolts to see if they can be moved.

Thanks for the help guys. I was able to move the block and get access to the bolts and with a socket they came out fairly easily. It's good to know that if necessary I can use a torch.

Heat is your friend!

che - Glad the help offered by fellow Bolters was a success. Thank You for coming back and updating on what you did and how it worked out. That leaves an info trail for other Bolters to read and perhaps help them out too!

If it's a 1/2" or 9/16" I'll loan you this wrench.

Ah! The ol' door hinge wrench.

Thanks MNSmith I wonder what it was for.

Also used for intake manifold bolts on V engines.

Starter wrench. The only thing that works on one of my starters.