Hey good day everyone, not sure if this is the appropriate place to post this. I am having difficulty in the categories as I am a new member.
The other day I set out to replace the front brakes and rotors on my 96 four-wheel-drive blazer, I was wondering if anyone knew the size Allen wrench I need to remove the caliper. Thank you in advance
Anthony

 

Found out it is a 3/8 Allen, in case anyone else comes to this hurdle as well while replacing brakes/rotors.

 

They make a specialty tool that you can get at most auto parts stores for this that goes on a ratchet

 

Thanks richphotos, stopped by pepboys earlier and picked one up.

 

You are welcome. Its a handy thing to have.
My 2004 Trailblazer does not use those but I still am holding onto mine from when I had the first gens just in case.
We can never have enough tools

 

*Moving to 2nd gen Tech*

 

I have came across a problem, passenger-side swap went great. The upper housing bolt on the driver side is not coming loose. I don't want to keep playing with it and it end up stripping it out. I already had a buddy drive me to get replacement bolts. Yet I still can't get the one out. Any suggestions?

 

While you're at the parts store getting the replacement bolts, go over to the tool section and find a Torx bit (the kind that fit on your ratchets) that's just a little bigger than the hex hole in the bolts. IIRC, it will be in the T50-T60 range, maybe T55 or T57. If you don't have a big hammer, get one of those as well. Some PB blaster is a good idea, too.

Spray the bolt down with PB Blaster, and if you can get to the back side of the hole, spray that side as well. Hammer the big Torx bit into the old, stripped bolt. Hammer it way in, to the full depth of the socket in the cap. Then, when you can't hammer it in any further, put the ratchet on it and hope it turns. When you're done, throw the bolt and the Torx bit away. Don't ever use that Torx bit in a Torx fastener after hammering it into a stripped hex cap bolt, that Torx bit is ruined and will strip any Torx fastener you put it into.

Ah, and to prevent this in the future, apply aluminum anti-seize to the bolts when you resintall them. Also, whenever you encounter a hex cap ("allen") bolt on brakes, suspension or engine parts, thoroughly clean the socket out before putting the key/wrench in it, and it's best to get the key all the way in to full depth (use a hammer to tap it in gently).

 

Thanks for the advice Racer_X, I plan to stop at the auto store tomorrow to pick up a torx. I really appreciate your input. So pleased to have found this forum. Take care everyone ��