I am changing all rotors and pads on my 2002 A8 and it seems each step has had unforeseen challenges. I used the brake tool from Harbor Freight to do the drivers side, and installed my Mintex Red box pads and rotor without a hitch. Figured the passengers side would take about 20 minutes. Boy was I wrong. The caliper will not turn. I was putting so much force on the tool that the little handle bent. Is my caliper frozen, and in need of repair, or could it be the emergency brake cable? I am thinking about trying this again tomorrow by removing the emergency brake cable if it will really help. I never use the emergency brake anyway.

 

sounds like the caliper is frozen. hate to give old-school advice but, did you try whackin the snot outta it a few tmes with a BIG-***'D hammer, then tryin the tool, again?!?!?

 

I am not against going old school. As soon as I find someone who has the caliper I will try that.

 

A thought occurs... If you do have a seized caliper, it might be better to just replace it, or see if you can find someone to rebuild it. Iount know. WHacks with a hammer MAY free it up enough to get it to screw in, but, no guarantee it won't re-seize, for the same reason as it did in the first place (lack of lube, I'm assuming). Also, i it did seize from lack of lube, you might want to also check for a "kinked" brake-line, while you've got it up on stands.

 

Wow that is funny. You must have ESP. I said to myself today since I plan on keeping this car for a long time it would be better to just get a new caliper. Little did I know I am the only person in Cleveland who has ever needed this part because nobody had one. I literally had to get a new one. I am assuming it was new because there was no core charge. Of course $260.00 extra dollars was not budgeted into this job, but I saved a ton on labor so all is well. Since I have the old caliper I am going to look into getting it rebuilt. I am also going to see if I can find a used one for the drivers side, and have that one rebuilt also. I have put brakes on many cars and this by far was the biggest adventure.

 

don't forget to check for a kinked brake line on the seized side, just in case.

 

Will do. Thanks

 

Also, in your search for replacement caliper, google: Shokan, and Dad's Auto. Both places have come through for me, in the past, with difficult to find parts; but, the do not ALWAYS have what you need. If not, and you don't mind mind-numbing time spent searching online: http://salvagecarsforsalenow.com/ is a list of more than 100 salvage yards.

Happy hunting!

 

Eat your wheaties.

Put a pair of channel locks on that sucker and turn it like you hate it. Screw that stupid tool I never use it.