AutoTech

Should I handle this personally or go back to the shop? 😤

2006 Mini Cooper S.

Took my car to a reputable shop for suspension work, but within a day of getting it back, I started hearing a bad scraping sound from the front driver's side. Pulled the wheel off and found the bolts that mount the caliper to the hub like this.

Pretty sure this could have easily led to a catastrophic failure. Since it's a relatively easy fix, should I let it slide or pitch a fit? 🔧🤔⚙️🔩

🔩⚙️❓ What’s the secret to breaking loose a hub that’s effectively fused to the axle? 🔧

Stuck axle on my 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. Anyone got a trick for this?
The hub bearing has been making a loud humming and grinding noise for months, and now the axle is completely seized in the hub. It feels like it’s friction-welded in there.

I’ve already tried:

- Torch

- Mini sledge with my hub breaker to save the threads

- Rotary hammer

- 10-ton puller

I’m flat out of ideas besides just keep beating on it. Has anyone dealt with one this stubborn before? 🔧

A gold star to anyone who can name the round silver part. 👇🔧

How would you remove this snapped bolt without welding equipment? 🔧😬
The bolt broke off almost flush, and welding a nut onto it isn't an option for me. 🔩⚙️

What's that wavy disc behind the brake rotor? 🤔
I noticed it while looking at my brakes and realized I have no idea what it's called or what it's supposed to do.❓👇🔧

My steering suddenly got really heavy, so I pulled over and found this. 😬
I'm still about an hour from home. Most of the rest of the drive is highway with very few turns, so I'm wondering if it's safe to keep going or if I should stop and call for help. 🔧🔥🚗

How do you properly torque bolts in tight spaces where a torque wrench won't fit? 🔧🤔
I'm working on my brakes and ran into a problem. I can probably use a crowfoot on the caliper slide pin bolt, but for the caliper bracket bolt there's very little room to work with.
There's a bar/pole right in the way, and I can't remember if it prevented me from getting a torque wrench on it the last time.
How do professional mechanics handle situations like this? Do you use special adapters, different torque wrenches, remove surrounding components, or just go by feel? 🤔⚙️🔩