[RoLleRKoaSTeR]

In the service manual, it states to not use the original caliper bolts to reassemble the brake caliper. I have seen video where new bolts are used. I should ask the service department as to "why". Strange that even my Rav4 does not state this (no loctite on them when I did mine last winter).

 

[zx10guy]

I've never replaced the caliper mounting bolts on any of the brake jobs I've done. The only reason I can think of is if the bolts are aluminum bolts that are of the stretch bolt type. These are one time use only. Where you see these types of bolts are with head bolts where these bolts secure the head to the engine block.

I'll be doing a brake job on my car soon; at least the rears. I'll examine the bolts when I do the job.

As a side note, I never ever turn/machine rotors. You should never need to. Machining the rotor removes metal from the rotor making the rotor much weaker and more susceptible to warping as the metal removed lowers the heat capacity of the rotor. I only replace rotors when there are signs it needs replacing. Otherwise, I throw on a set of new pads and leave the rotors in place.

 

[RoLleRKoaSTeR]

Interesting note !
My Rav4 was making strange noises from the front driver side 😨. Hearing this metalic noise when going over bumps - a sound like loose metal. It got worse - like a clicking noise periodically. Got home and took the wheel off and found the top brake caliper bolt missing 😱😱😱. Good thing to have another vehicle to get to the parts store - they had the proper bolt (it did not have any threadlocker on them?). I put some on the new bolt and tightened it back in to spec. and checked the lower bolt as well. I also did a check on the passenger side - still there and "guttenteight" (CSW - reference 🤣 ).
So far no noise at all. Got some extra bolts just in case. Even when going over bumps - no noise.
Whew, close call. No serious damage to the caliper or rotor, but some slight scuffing on the inside of the wheel.

 

[zx10guy]

I've never had a caliper bolt back out on me. I've done more front brake jobs than I can remember. That is indeed odd that the bolt backed out. And I've never used any threadlocker. I made sure the bolts were tightened securely and the sliders/sleeves are lubricated properly.

 

[dayaneterrace]

Hello folks! I just replaced them with new ones and did not ask such questions. I recently restored my grandfather's old car, so I ordered a lot of different bolts, nuts, and other little things on scrooz.com.au. Since I had a big order, they gave me a good discount, so I bought some more little things that can surely come in handy later. I think replacing nuts and bolts with new ones is not such a serious and difficult task to do or not worth it.

 

[zx10guy]

Are there any negatives with replacing every fastener you touch? No. Is it economically wise? No. Are there any benefits assuming the fastener is not worn (such as rounded corners or damaged threads)? No. Your money. The fasteners/bolts used for brakes are not stretch to yield bolts. So they will NOT wear out through use. I myself have replaced a ton of brakes over my time driving. So many, I can't even venture to guess. Not one of those brake jobs has ever had a problem with me re-using the caliper bolts. Not one. Nor has a friend that used to own his own repair shop. He's touched more brakes than any of us all combined. Never once did he replace any the caliper bolt hardware.

 

[mikesea]

I've never replaced the caliper mounting bolts on any of the brake jobs I've done. The only reason I can think of is if the bolts are aluminum bolts that are of the stretch bolt type. These are one time use only. Where you see these types of bolts are with head bolts where these bolts secure the head to the engine block.

I'll be doing a brake job on my car soon; at least the rears. I'll examine the bolts when I do the job.

As a side note, I never ever turn/machine rotors. You should never need to. Machining the rotor removes metal from the rotor making the rotor much weaker and more susceptible to warping as the metal removed lowers the heat capacity of the rotor. I only replace rotors when there are signs it needs replacing. Otherwise, I throw on a set of new pads and leave the rotors in place.
[/Q

Interesting note !
My Rav4 was making strange noises from the front driver side 😨. Hearing this metalic noise when going over bumps - a sound like loose metal. It got worse - like a clicking noise periodically. Got home and took the wheel off and found the top brake caliper bolt missing 😱😱😱. Good thing to have another vehicle to get to the parts store - they had the proper bolt (it did not have any threadlocker on them?). I put some on the new bolt and tightened it back in to spec. and checked the lower bolt as well. I also did a check on the passenger side - still there and "guttenteight" (CSW - reference 🤣 ).
So far no noise at all. Got some extra bolts just in case. Even when going over bumps - no noise.
Whew, close call. No serious damage to the caliper or rotor, but some slight scuffing on the inside of the wheel.

Glad you caught it before something bad happened !

 

[mikesea]

i havent replaced my brakes yet, still at 9k miles, but have never heard of having to replace caliper bolts, hopefully have a few years before i have to mess with them lol