Caliper mounting bolts

[itzbob46]

The dealer talked me into replacing the two bolts that mount each caliper saying that they stretch and take a set once used. Says that they should not be used a second time! The Bentley Manual says nothing about replacing bolts, but the Porsche manual that I have on my PC says to!

These bolts are over 3/8" diameter and use 63 ft-lb torque. They mount into an aluminum structure.

Somehow, my seat of the pants engineering says this is overkill. If anything is getting stressed here it's the alumium parts and my wallet.

On top of this, I had to buy an allen driver to remove the old bolts. Now, the head on the new bolts takes a different driver!!!! Something else to buy! I don't even know the size or name of the thing!

Any knowledge or thoughts on this?

Bob

[seafeye]

The dealer talked me into replacing the two bolts that mount each caliper saying that they stretch and take a set once used. Says that they should not be used a second time! The Bentley Manual says nothing about replacing bolts, but the Porsche manual that I have on my PC says to!

These bolts are over 3/8" diameter and use 63 ft-lb torque. They mount into an aluminum structure.

Somehow, my seat of the pants engineering says this is overkill. If anything is getting stressed here it's the alumium parts and my wallet.

On top of this, I had to buy an allen driver to remove the old bolts. Now, the head on the new bolts takes a different driver!!!! Something else to buy! I don't even know the size or name of the thing!

Any knowledge or thoughts on this?

Bob

There is probably a .000001% chance that the bolts may fail from being torqued more than once and stretching etc...

The legal dept dictates a lot of what parts are replaced. Don't send your kids to law school.

[ericinboca]

I can't count high enough to tell you how many times I have reused my caliper mounting bolts on my 986S track car. Note, however, that I do torque to specs everytime.

[pk2]

Don't go to the dealer if you can at all avoid it.

Regards, PK

[itzbob46]

Don't go to the dealer if you can at all avoid it.

Regards, PK

Actually, this is a DIY job with parts bought from from Sunset Imports (a internet order Porsche dealer). I'm still trying to decide which way to go on these bolts. I don't race it. But we need to keep in mind that since many Porsches are raced the specs are at times over the top on safety and parts failure protection.

I just did caliper-off caliper painting, and front pad/rotor change, so I'll have to replace ALL the bolts, and then the rears again when it comes due for rotor replacement.

Thanks for comments so far,

Bob

[phillipj]

I have always replaced my caliper bolts. I guess I'm a sucker. :rolleyes: Plus they are quite inexpensive online.

[Loren]

I think you have to ask why Porsche says to replace them. They don't say this on every bolt or part.