brake bolt(s) substitution question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 732
Likes: 2
From: Baxter MN
brake bolt(s) substitution question
Next weekend I am setting myself up to replace all rotors and pads on my '04 coupe. Not a Z06. Currently stock brakes that have never been off the car.
I know I'll need to remove both the caliper and the caliper bracket. These are held on, I believe, by 2 grade 10.9 8mm x 1.25", and
14mm x 2" bolts respectively per wheel.
My question is; would these same size bolts from a supplier like McMaster or Fastenal work as well? I'm not happy about paying $8.00 per bolt for one that says "GM" on it when a different premium bolt of the same size may cost me $1.00 per bolt.
I know a lot of folks simply reuse the old bolts, but I don't mind replacing them if the cost is more reasonable.
I also question using Loctite on these, as there are a few "horror" stories floating around of these bolts breaking when trying to remove them. Not sure how often that happens, but it makes me a bit nervous.
TIA.
Glen
I know I'll need to remove both the caliper and the caliper bracket. These are held on, I believe, by 2 grade 10.9 8mm x 1.25", and
14mm x 2" bolts respectively per wheel.
My question is; would these same size bolts from a supplier like McMaster or Fastenal work as well? I'm not happy about paying $8.00 per bolt for one that says "GM" on it when a different premium bolt of the same size may cost me $1.00 per bolt.
I know a lot of folks simply reuse the old bolts, but I don't mind replacing them if the cost is more reasonable.
I also question using Loctite on these, as there are a few "horror" stories floating around of these bolts breaking when trying to remove them. Not sure how often that happens, but it makes me a bit nervous.
TIA.
Glen
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
The larger caliper mounting bolts, I would reuse.
Clean all the red loctite from threads. I suggest getting the old off w/the proper die from a Tap & die set. Add red loc tite before reinstalling & torque to spec.
The smaller pin bolts that come from GM w/the loctite allready applied on them.
Pay GM for the proper bolt/bolts, if you decide to replace.
With the money you save by diy, spring for the GM' bolts.
Good luck.
I assume the bolts you speak of breaking are the pin bolts?
Reason being, it doesn't take much extra torque to stretch these small bolts, causing a failure.
Clean all the red loctite from threads. I suggest getting the old off w/the proper die from a Tap & die set. Add red loc tite before reinstalling & torque to spec.
The smaller pin bolts that come from GM w/the loctite allready applied on them.
Pay GM for the proper bolt/bolts, if you decide to replace.
With the money you save by diy, spring for the GM' bolts.
Good luck.
I assume the bolts you speak of breaking are the pin bolts?
Reason being, it doesn't take much extra torque to stretch these small bolts, causing a failure.
Last edited by bumble-z; Apr 16, 2011 at 11:37 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,139
Likes: 2
From: Whidbey Island WA
Those bracket bolts are a PITA. They're torqued to 125 lbs. If you've got a lift you shouldn't have any problems but if you're up on jack stands you've got little room to work. They kicked my azz until someone here on the forum suggested heating them up. Mine came off easily after heating with a propane torch for a bit.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 732
Likes: 2
From: Baxter MN
I read about heating these up before. I presume I am to apply torch to the housing (bracket) rather than the bolt itself? How much time is generally sufficient to apply the heat? Also, any problem with a 1/2" air wrench to get them off?
And yes, I was referring to the pin bolts as well. I don't think using an air wrench on tese is a good idea. And they're only held on with 25ft/lbs of torque and some loctitie so I trust they will come out relatively easily.
But as I said, this is my first time doing this on my car so I am a bit apprehensive and ANY tips, tricks, or helpful hints would be very much appreciated.
Thank you to those who reply with suggestions or supportive comments.
Glen
And yes, I was referring to the pin bolts as well. I don't think using an air wrench on tese is a good idea. And they're only held on with 25ft/lbs of torque and some loctitie so I trust they will come out relatively easily.
But as I said, this is my first time doing this on my car so I am a bit apprehensive and ANY tips, tricks, or helpful hints would be very much appreciated.
Thank you to those who reply with suggestions or supportive comments.
Glen
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,422
Likes: 1,146
From: Dyer, IN
Next weekend I am setting myself up to replace all rotors and pads on my '04 coupe. Not a Z06. Currently stock brakes that have never been off the car.
I know I'll need to remove both the caliper and the caliper bracket. These are held on, I believe, by 2 grade 10.9 8mm x 1.25", and
14mm x 2" bolts respectively per wheel.
My question is; would these same size bolts from a supplier like McMaster or Fastenal work as well? I'm not happy about paying $8.00 per bolt for one that says "GM" on it when a different premium bolt of the same size may cost me $1.00 per bolt.
I know a lot of folks simply reuse the old bolts, but I don't mind replacing them if the cost is more reasonable.
I also question using Loctite on these, as there are a few "horror" stories floating around of these bolts breaking when trying to remove them. Not sure how often that happens, but it makes me a bit nervous.
TIA.
Glen
I know I'll need to remove both the caliper and the caliper bracket. These are held on, I believe, by 2 grade 10.9 8mm x 1.25", and
14mm x 2" bolts respectively per wheel.
My question is; would these same size bolts from a supplier like McMaster or Fastenal work as well? I'm not happy about paying $8.00 per bolt for one that says "GM" on it when a different premium bolt of the same size may cost me $1.00 per bolt.
I know a lot of folks simply reuse the old bolts, but I don't mind replacing them if the cost is more reasonable.
I also question using Loctite on these, as there are a few "horror" stories floating around of these bolts breaking when trying to remove them. Not sure how often that happens, but it makes me a bit nervous.
TIA.
Glen
