avid cps bolts
 

Any tips for loosen really stuck AVid bb5 cps bolts? I cannot get them to loosen. Yes I am turning the right way; my mini wrench makes it impossible to do it wrong, lol. I'm not very strong (old lady) but I do have a mini ratchet wrench which usually gives me plenty of leverage. I can't loosen these suckers up. I'm concerned about putting anything like a penetrating oil near brakes. Any help? I was thinking about upgrading calipers to BB7 but I'm going to need to pull the bracket off the BB5s so these bolts have to open - plus it's supposedly necessary to just adjust them properly.

If you're worried about the penetrating oil ruining brake pads or rotors, you could always remove the wheels and brake pads before you apply the oil.

I guess I wasn't sure if it was even safe to use it on them. I will take the caliper off the wheel and apply some and let it sit, then remount to the mount bracket so it's held in place and try again. Assuming I finally get them to turn, I'll clean them with a little degreaser and then maybe apply a tiny bit of bike grease to avoid them seizing up in the future. Does that make sense? Not a super mechanical person here, just trying to do stuff myself. thx.

Yes your attempt makes sense, hope it works for you.

I do strongly suggest getting "L" hex wrenches and put the multi tool in the bike bag for on the trail/road use. Don't use a ball end to try to loosen a tight bolt, use the full fitting straight end.

Many OEM caliper mounting bolts have a bit of a thread locker to insure the bolts don't self loosen. This is one reason why I dislike thread lockers for my personal bikes. Andy

use a blow dryer on the area. heat works the corrosion loose and softens the loctite on the threads.

loctite.......ahh that explains it, lol. I'll get the hair dryer and see if that works. Totally makes sense that would be the issue - there is no rust on them. They're not that old and look brand new. loctite, grrrr..... Thank you, knowing that may save some of my grey cells.