I need to replace the rear brake pads and rotors and I cannot for the life of me get the bolts that hold the carrier on off. I have done this job on two other A4's, a B6 and a B5, never had an issue but I cannot for the life of me break those bolts free on any side. The car is a 2004, but with less than 60k miles so I am assuming they are original pads.

Does anybody have any tricks on how to break them free? I tried a pipe, soaked them in PB blaster, but still no luck.

TIA

 

Have same problem on A6 2.7T front. Friend said to try a very very small torch on the bolts. He also recommended putting a lot of wet towls around the area. He said the heat should un-lock, freez the bolts. Have to buy new rubbers or maybe bolts. I HAVE NOT TRY THIS YET, on my Audi, but need to solve tire problem yet. Could also try a air-compressor if not tried yet. the bolts turn counter-clock. I had no problems with my rear brakes (bolts). changed them pretty easy.

 

PB blaster and an impact gun. I did that on my B6. Heating is a good way but chances are you will need to rebuild your caliper and probably change your brake hoses after you're done.

 

Dan1969 is probable right. One has to be extremly careful not to damage something else.

 

I haven't done this on my A4 yet, but on my Vette I used a breaker bar with a 3 foot piece of pipe over it to break them free. Just needed a little bit of movement to get them started.