Sorry father's day is now over. Would have been a great excuse to treat yourself to a small compressor and 1/2" drive impact wrench. A 2HP compressor with a 20 gallon tank will be enough to get you started. Air tools can be had for very reasonable prices and one you get a few you won’t know how you ever did without. 1/2 impact and 2/3" air wrench will be the most used. Then comes a die grinder and a right angle drill. Yes you can even drill out exhaust bolts with the engine-heads in place.  

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Neil N
Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2016 1:21 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Remove Brake Caliper: Steering Knuckle Off Vehicle

Hi all.

I don't have an impact wrench. This is for '86+ style steering knuckles.

With the lower ball joint end of the steering knuckle mounted securely in a large vice, is there any great risk that I'll bend or distort the knuckle metal while unbolting the brake caliper?

I know that sounds "insane", as that metal is quite thick, but best to ask first?

The why: I'm considering upgrading my 1981 Westy to the later style knuckle to allow for the better later style caliper or big brake kit. But I'd rather inspect the knuckle spindle
with parts on bench before taking apart the '81 front end.   (though I
do want to install
the GW progressive springs I have on hand.....)

Thanks

Neil.

--
Neil n

Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>

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