Why replace the brake caliper mounting bolts?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Redhill Surrey, UK
Why replace the brake caliper mounting bolts?
I'm about to replace the rotors and pads on my '99 and in the service manual it clearly states the brake caliper mounting bolts "must be replaced anytime they are removed".
Why is that and is it really neccessary? Am I reading it right or is it just overkill?
Why is that and is it really neccessary? Am I reading it right or is it just overkill?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 40,995
Likes: 9,759
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I did it once on my 97 now I just reuse the old bolts. The new bolts from the dealer come with the Locktite already installed and used to cost about $5 each. I have my calipers off at least 15 times a year and have been reusing the bolts for many years and haven't had any problems. Most shops will not do this either. However, if there ever was a problem with a reused bolt failing GM would be covered legally since they told everybody to replace them. They also tell you to replace the caliper guide pin bolts. However, none of the aftermarket brake suppliers provide the bolts with their pads and everybody just keeps reusing the old bolts. The GM pad kit comes with new guide pin bolts and caliper hardware.
Bill
Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,501
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From: TAMPA BAY FL.
Do they suggest a torque specification?If so, when you tighten a bolt you stretch it, this stretching actually holds the bolt in place better. Once you stretch the bolt and take it out the metal in the bolt is spent, and shouldnt be reused. With that said we used to reuse head bolts all the time and never had any problems that we could attribute to this. I think for something that's holding your brakes on which could save your life, why gamble? You guys that road race, you go through a lot of brakes, do you reuse your bolts?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Redhill Surrey, UK
There is a torque spec: 31 Nm for the guide pin bolt and 175 Nm for the mounting bracket bolt.
If the bolts 'weaken' why dont we replace other bolts like wheel nuts, manifold bolts, etc?
If the bolts 'weaken' why dont we replace other bolts like wheel nuts, manifold bolts, etc?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Originally Posted by Z28TOZO6
Do they suggest a torque specification?If so, when you tighten a bolt you stretch it, this stretching actually holds the bolt in place better. Once you stretch the bolt and take it out the metal in the bolt is spent, and shouldnt be reused. With that said we used to reuse head bolts all the time and never had any problems that we could attribute to this. I think for something that's holding your brakes on which could save your life, why gamble? You guys that road race, you go through a lot of brakes, do you reuse your bolts?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 29
From: San Rafael CA
Originally Posted by Z28TOZO6
I think for something that's holding your brakes on which could save your life, why gamble? You guys that road race, you go through a lot of brakes, do you reuse your bolts?
GM part numbers are :
14084051 for the caliper mounting bolts. (front and rear are same size)
12530697/12530698 for front/rear guide pin bolts
Hope this helps
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,993
Likes: 61
From: Fort Wayne IN
Just did rotors/pads on mine... Reused the bolts but cleaned the threads before applying the locktite. The 22mm bolts are torqued to 125 foot pounds and the caliber bolts to 22 foot pounds per the GM manual. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 793
From: Longview Texas
Originally Posted by Z28TOZO6
Do they suggest a torque specification?If so, when you tighten a bolt you stretch it, this stretching actually holds the bolt in place better. Once you stretch the bolt and take it out the metal in the bolt is spent, and shouldnt be reused.
I have not found a single mechanic that replaces these bolts everytime they do a brake job.
Also, I have bought GM brake kits, and the ones I have gotten came with new brake pad clips, but never came with new bolts.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Redhill Surrey, UK
Thanks for all your thoughts.
Bit of mixed opinion but it looks like plenty have reused without a problem.
The rotors & pads arrive tomorrow so I'll see if there are new bolts in the pack.
Bit of mixed opinion but it looks like plenty have reused without a problem.
The rotors & pads arrive tomorrow so I'll see if there are new bolts in the pack.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 40,995
Likes: 9,759
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Originally Posted by TEXHAWK0
I agree these are not "torque to yield" bolts, and can be reused.
I have not found a single mechanic that replaces these bolts everytime they do a brake job.
Also, I have bought GM brake kits, and the ones I have gotten came with new brake pad clips, but never came with new bolts.
I have not found a single mechanic that replaces these bolts everytime they do a brake job.
Also, I have bought GM brake kits, and the ones I have gotten came with new brake pad clips, but never came with new bolts.
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
I just replaced my front rotors and pads yesterday with Eradispeed+ and Friction Performance pads. In the manual I saw the part about replacing the guide pins whenever they are removed. I did not see the part about replacing the caliper mounting bolts when they are removed. Anyone who saw this - could you post the page number in volume 2?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Originally Posted by John Shiels
I had to reuse mine 30 times at least. I had new ones in a box next to me also. They were always fine. You can Locktite them
changing them in and out all the time and never a problem. I guess once a year for the HPDE guys is not a bad idea, but for the general public I dont see a need to change them.
Last edited by Wicked Weasel; Sep 14, 2006 at 08:28 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Originally Posted by DRR
I just replaced my front rotors and pads yesterday with Eradispeed+ and Friction Performance pads. In the manual I saw the part about replacing the guide pins whenever they are removed. I did not see the part about replacing the caliper mounting bolts when they are removed. Anyone who saw this - could you post the page number in volume 2?
I dont think it says to replace the 21mm only the smaller ones. did you use loctite?