As the title says I can't get either of the annoying caliper bolts of the driver side rear 87gt. It already had two broken lug bolts on it. I was going to replace them. Apparently a third was cross threaded on because it broke while twisting it off. So now I have two good ones left. They are across from each other. I was thinking about taking the car to a local delearship and using it as a trade in on a transam, but keeping the 88 formula. I would hate to take it there on a flat bed. Might not fetch as much

The delearship is about 5 miles away. So, I can risk putting the wheel back on and driving on the two lugs, or somehow get that damn caliper off so I can replace all 5 like I had planned. The only real help I saw in the old tech threads had someone saying to use a torch and someone else saying to use oil over night, though I want to get this done today, not tomorrow.

So, any advice? Is it safe to just use the two bolts and drive slowly?

In my opinion no. The force exerted in cornering could easily snap those bolts. I realize that you intend to drive carefully but what if you have to try to avoid an accident? Remember that statistically most accidents occur within 5 miles of your home. Is it worth it?

Nolan

Did you use PBlaster? Can you get an impact wrench at the bolts? If you don't have an air impact wrench, they make electric ones that work pretty well, just not as fast. Sometimes a significant, but gentle tapping with a hammer will help jar the rust loose. I would try to fix the problem.

Realistically, though if you are going to trade it in anyway, it probably won't matter to the dealer. They aren't going to give you much (obviously I don't know the condition of your particular car). Most cars that age will not be sold on the lot, they will go to auction, unless they are really nice clean, low mileage collector types.

Summary: If you are going to trade it in anyway, and your car isn't particularly special (nice, low mileage, etc.) then tighten up the two lugs, drive very slowly, AND have someone follow you with the four ways on. But remember, I didn't tell you to drive it like that...

quote Originally posted by enthashyt: So, any advice? Is it safe to just use the two bolts and drive slowly?

I don't have any first hand experience with this, but in my opinion it would be VERY dangerous. I bet they break off within a mile

Assuming that the lugs are in good shape, it will make it. Will it be safe ehh. decent bet assuming you dont whip it around any corners. If you wanna get those caliper bolts out just stick a 2-3' pipe on the end of the ratchet. They get stuck pretty well, but Ive never had one break off inside the caliper, so hit it as hard as you can. You might wanna have a few extra bits though

Grow some and get some leverage . . . I had the same problem with mine, annoying to get off. Remember, they're hex! But run to a sears, by the appropriate hex socket and do that, will work a LOT easier than the standared 'L' shaped hex wrench

quote Originally posted by enthashyt: So, any advice? Is it safe to just use the two bolts and drive slowly?

Not a good idea, IMHO. The safety risk isn't worth it, not to mention the possibility of damage to the car.

quote Originally posted by enthashyt: I would hate to take it there on a flat bed. Might not fetch as much

Tow it as close as possible while still being out of site of the dealer and then drive the car the rest of the way. No quick movements and do it when there isn't alot of traffic, if possible. Also don't have the flat bed truck follow you in, they might notice that.

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Low 14 sec 99 Pontiac GTP, 3.2L V6 4 sp 86 Fiero GT

i did it on 3 lug nuts on my cavalier about 20 miles, going about 35-40 with no probs.

Sorta an ironic thread, as I bought my fiero with 1 lug on the rear right tire, I have heard that it broke off on the expressway on the previous owner. I suppose the point of my story is that he drove it for about a mile on one lug?

foxxman25 has the same idea as me. Now if it means anything I drove 6000 miles across the US and back with 3 lugs on the rear of a 68 Dodge van A-100. Blew a rear tire in Ohio on the way back was my only trouble and it was under warranty.

I snapped all five nugs on my previous nova.. First the pot hole came, then my wheel popped off.. Now.. Think about if I had 2 nuts!

That accident caused more damage on that car then the insurance would cover.. The leaf spring went through the floor, and the crash on the pavement shook the gas tank to a point of where the metal scraps caused a leak in the tank.. It wasn't fun.

In my mind, I would tow it to a shop.

Use a pair of Vise Grips on the cailper bolts... take the rubber boots off...then you can get the vise-grips on.. have done it a number of times already....it does work!

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'85 SE - '86 Fastback SE - '99 Chevy K-1500 Z-71 - '00 HD 1200XL Sportster