How to Remove a Rusted Bolt From My Brake System

Most metals on a vehicle are iron or steel, which oxidizes when exposed to water and air. The result is rust. Bolts are highly susceptible to rust as most bolts used in a vehicle are unpainted. A rusted bolt means that the entire bolt -- the head and threads of the bolt -- is likely coated. Removing a rusted bolt is no easier than breaking a welded joint. The process requires extensive force, effort and often, tools or chemicals.

• 1

  Clean the bolt. Spray the bolt liberally with a spray lubricant and allow it to set for a few minutes. Spray lubricant will pull off topical rust and appear contaminated or reddish. Respray until the lubricant is clear when dripping down the side. Use a wire brush and remove all the rust. Attempt to remove rust from both the bolt head and the threads if you can access the threads.

• 2

  Apply heat to the bolt with the propane torch. Skip this step if the flame would come into close contact with any flammable liquid. Some spray lubricants are flammable. Check the canister's label before applying flame to the bolt.

• 3

  Use the proper sized long-handled wrench to attempt to remove the bolt.

• 4

  Use a bolt extractor set if the wrench rounds out the head of the bolt. A bolt extractor uses inverted threads to cut into and grab the head of the bolt as you attempt to remove it. The extractors are used with a standard socket wrench. The bolt will not be able to be reused once removed in this manner.