Removal of front wheel cylinders 1967 Deville

[Lrod67]

First time post, I have a 67 Cadillac Deville that I'm bringing back to life. It was my Dads a Vietnam Vet that recently passed away in Dec.2019. Anyway, I'm having a hell of a time trying to replace the front wheel cylinders. There is not enough room for a socket to fit where the two bolts are holding the cylinder because of the spindle. What size tool  and what size is the brake wrench? Any tips would be highly appreciated.

[savemy67]

Hello Lrod67,

I have a '67 Sedan DeVille.  When I refurbished my brakes a few years ago, I don't recall I had any trouble removing the bolts holding the front wheel cylinders.  If a socket does not fit, use a box-end wrench, and be certain the head of the bolt is clean, and that the wrench fits squarely on the head of the bolt.  I do not recommend the use of air/electric impact wrenches in confined/awkward positions.

I do not remember the size of the head of the bolts, but if you have a set of combination wrenches, one will probably be the correct size.  Oddly, the bolt diameter and thread pitch is not listed in the shop manual brake section, but if there are SAE grade markings on the bolt heads, you can Google the correct torque specification.  To read about my brake adventures, click here, and scroll to reply #25.

http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/index.php?topic=133691.20

If you still encounter difficulty removing the bolts attaching the wheel cylinders, please post a photo, and several of the forum members might be able top provide some tips.

Respectfully submitted,

Christopher Winter

[TJ Hopland]

I don't know that car specifically but have you tried 1/4" sockets?   They tend to be smaller in every direction so can fit into places a 3/8 set won't.    If its close but not quite how about a 'wobble' extension?

[signart]

As noted above, 1/4" drive socket and I'll add in conjunction with a 1/4" drive "breaker bar" will most time give more clearance than a ratchet.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I find it funny combining the two   -  1/4" Socket, and Breaker Bar in the one sentence, as being virtually instant failure in parts, as any excess pressure applied to a Breaker Bar on a 1/4" Socket would be very easy to destroy parts.

I have managed to destroy a 1/2" Breaker Bar, but I think it was a faulty part in the first place.

Bruce.

[signart]

Reading is fundamental. As a socket, particularly a six point is less likely to slip off or damage a bolt head, my suggestion was for a 1/4" DRIVE socket. I don't know what exact size socket is applicable, but coupled with a 1/4" DRIVE breaker bar which at least in my case is much slimmer than any 1/4 " drive ratchet that I have on hand, would be an advantage when clearance is an issue. Also the adjustable angle of a breaker bar would not be a disadvantage.