GF's 07 Impreza: Sheared the head off caliper support bracket bolt
 

Well...i guess the title spells it out. Basically was in the midst of changing the pads and rotors on my gf's 07 impreza and sheared the head right off of the front left caliper support bracket. The thing was rusted so bad that it just cracked right off. Now I am not too sure what to do. I managed to get the bracket off as it is only threaded in the bracket and not the hub assemby, but now i am sitting here with a bracket with one of the holes with half a screw rusted in there.

Question is... is there any way I can remove that screw and not destroy the threading on the bracket? What are the odds my local subaru will have the bracket in stock in their parts dept? Any other local place I can check out that may carry the part? I tried autozone and they didn't have the bracket or the assembly hardware .

I was considering taking the bracket to a local brake shop and have them try and remove the screw. But i didn't know what shape that would leave the bracket in, or if they would have a bolt that would fit.

Help or I might have to sleep on the couch tonight ! :spank:

Get some penetrating oil like PB Blaster not Wd-40 spray it on the bolt let it sit for a while, cut a slot in the top of the bolt and try removing it with a flat head bit on a ratchet.

You could also try drilling out a hole smaller than the diameter of the bolt, use a center punch to make sure you get it centered so you don't mess up the threads and try using an easy out.

Or if you have a tap and die set just drill out as much as possible and retap the bolt hole.

Just to clarify...

You're just trying to remove the rest of the screw/bolt that was broken during removal?

If there's still some exposed for you to grip, you might have some luck turning it with some vice grips. There are some lubricants, like PB blaster, that can help loosen it a bit.

Your idea of taking it to a shop might not be a bad idea... Just ask them to take a look and they should tell you if they can get it out and for
how much. If they say they can do it and damage the bracket in the process, then I can only assume they would take responsibility, as they accepted the job.

Aw man. That sucks. I feel for you.
I've never tried these, but it might be worth visiting Sears and giving this a shot.

I think they're reverse drills.
http://tinyurl.com/3rckn6x

Attachment 240884

Attachment 240885

Were you trying to grip it with those wrenches? If so, pick up some vice grips and you might have better luck.

Yea, of all the damn tools I have, vice grips are the one tool I dont. I will have to pick some up. I am hoping that napa or a local subaru just has another bracket, would save me a lot of stress

Oh, I sprayed liquid wrench on it, wrapped pieces of latex glove, and used a channel lock wrench for something like that before.

Forgot to update, but I took it to subaru and they took the bracket and removed the bolt for free. I guess they have a significant issue with those bolts rusting. As soon as i walked in like 3 guys go "let me guess, caliper support, broken bolt"