caliper bracket bolts replace or not?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 373
Likes: 2
From: White Plains NY
caliper bracket bolts replace or not?
Hi all,
I was just about to replace my stock C6 rotors w/ the Z51 rotors. I was all set to start when I read the manual and it says do not use the old mounting bolts and washers but replace them w/ new ones every time you remove the caliper bracket. Since I only have 650 mi on the car do you think it’s OK to use the bolts and washers over?
Thanks,
Mike
I was just about to replace my stock C6 rotors w/ the Z51 rotors. I was all set to start when I read the manual and it says do not use the old mounting bolts and washers but replace them w/ new ones every time you remove the caliper bracket. Since I only have 650 mi on the car do you think it’s OK to use the bolts and washers over?
Thanks,
Mike
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,131
Likes: 391
Replace them, do it by the book. The bolts are torqued to close to yield strengh of the steel, And that is why the factory wants you to not reuse them. They may just know more about bolts, torque, and steel. But, what the heck, its only your brakes.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Madisonville La
In addition to legal issues not advising to use new bolts, when torqued down the bolts strech during the initial installation. Once the bolts have streched/lengthened they will not have the same tensile strength and clamping force as new bolts. Will reusing the bolts cause problems? Thousand of owners and repair shops routinely reuse bolts without issues. Did you ever have rotors turned or replaced and see the shop use new bolts or see them on the bill? If you are not tracking or otherwise placing greater then normal stress on the bolts you should be safe. For the few extra bucks and peace of mind get new ones.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Hurst (Fort Worth area) Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Greater Detroit Metro MI, when I'm not travelling.
I've never seen anyone replace them, but if I had an easy and convenient place to pick up a set I'd be happy to.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
I did this when putting on my new red calipers. YES, GET NEW BOLTS! If it's in the manual, do it...please. I got mine at the local dealer. Can't remember exactly, but they are about $2.00 a piece or something. It's worth it...any yes, use the blue loctite.
Do a search on the Forum for caliper replacements and you'll get some good info, and instructions. The one I read talks of the bolts slightly expanding as they near full torque. That is why you don't want to reuse them.
Good luck.
Do a search on the Forum for caliper replacements and you'll get some good info, and instructions. The one I read talks of the bolts slightly expanding as they near full torque. That is why you don't want to reuse them.
Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 837
Likes: 2
From: Derry NH
Can't the bolts be replaced with non-torque to yield bolts? The torque spec for the new style bolt would be needed, but thats better than $9 per bolt.
That's some of the logic behind the ARP fasteners for the LSx engines, correct?
That's some of the logic behind the ARP fasteners for the LSx engines, correct?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: merritt island fl
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These are not torque to yeild bolts. The reason the manual says to replace them is they come with the loctite already applied. This allows any GM "mechanic" to install them without screwing up the loctite application.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: CHOCOWINITY NC
Not a bad gig if you can get it..
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: San Clemente CA
How much is your life worth. $9 per bolt x 8 bolts = $72. I'd buy the bolts in a minuet.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: merritt island fl
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 373
Likes: 2
From: White Plains NY