My sister's Protege5 went past 30,000 miles a little while back, and while doing a regular 30K service (minus the tranny flush, which I've yet to do), I noticed the brakes were probably about due for replacement. There was a slight vibration while braking from the front, so I figured minaswell replace all four sets of pads, and turn rotors on the front at the least.

I just finished the fronts...completely done. Now I'm about to disassemble the back. I go to loosen the caliper slide bolt...and it's ******* impossible to get a grip on it. Thought it was a 10mm, but I keep sliding off it. Tried 9mm, too small. So I decided to try and adjustable wrench, and that slides off as if its getting no grip. So I get a pair of pliers, and it does the same thing. Finally, I resort to vice grips, and it just starts stripping away at the bolt. WTF is going on here? It either slides off, or strips the bolt. Anyone know why this is happening...and what tool I should use?

 

Some pictures....in case anyone wasn't sure of the bolt. This is the non-stripped side.

 

go to sears and get their adjustable pin cushion looking socket wrench where it fits everything. that thing should do the trick.

 

i just helped my friend change brake pads for his s2k so make sure u use jerking motions and not slow motions cuz it will strip out the bolt more if u r going slow.

 

I think that is probably the dumbest thing I have ever heard. An even dist. of force is IDEAL.

It doesnt look like you tried any PB Blast OR WD-40... try that first! If you stripped the other bolt it is possible you will either A: have to drill the old one out or b: pick up a stripped bolt kit from Sears or the like and pray that it grabs. You will definatly need a new bolt .

As far as the size of that bolt, I always thought it was 10mm all the way around. I haven't done the rears yet (thats next on the list).