Hi all,

I am in the process of upgrading my rotors and pads and noticed that all of the service manuals say to replace the bolts on the caliper and brackets. I have also read that as long as the bolts are in good condition they can be re-used with locktite. My questions are as follows..

1. Why is this required?
2. Does GM still make these bolts?
3. Can I reuse the old ones (with or without locktite)?
4. What have you all done when replacing pads and rotors?

Thanks in advance

 

GM requires new bolts because they are super paranoid about legal problems. The new bolts come with thread locking compound on them.

I just reuse the old bolts.

 

*With red locktite.

 

Depends on how many times a year you take them off

I agree - street driven car where this might be the last time you ever take the brackets off use the locktite.
For me I've never used the locktite, but my brackets come off two - four times a year. Have not had a bolt loosen up on me either.

 

Red locktite requires heat to loosen the compound. I have been using the Blue Loctite with no issues.

The original bolts can be re-used a number of times. Make sure you clean off any remaining compound using a wire wheel on a grinder. Inspect the female threads on the caliper abutment bracket for compound left in the threads. I use a 12 gauge shotgun brass cleaning brush to clean these threads. Liberally spray brake parts cleaner on the threads and twist the brush into the treads.

The same goes for the small bolts that hold the caliper guide pins. These can also be cleaned up and re-used but these bolts are a common size and can be found at hardware stores. Just make sure you get the proper strength (grade). It's a good idea to check the guide pins and clean and re-lube them you are ready to re-assemble. Same with the small rubber boots that cover the pin; they are a common GM piece and are usually available in a kit form at parts stores.

Torque the big bolts to the proper value for your car. You didn't say what year of C4 you have and the torque spec is different based on early vs. late models. It really helps to fill out your profile with at least a basic car description or include it with your thread.

 

1990 base with the L98. Sorry I forgot to put that in my op. Thank you by the way for the info. I don't plan on removing the components very often as I can only drive the car for about 3 months of the year. Even then it is not a daily driver. I will clean and re-use with locktite.