Caliper bolts

[gary996]

Hello All,

I am about to replace my front calipers, rotors not needed this time. I got the pads and wear sensors but forgot to get the bolts, which they recommend you change every time as well. Anyone have any thoughts on the necessity of that? I could see that there could be heat/cool cycle issues that could affect the integrity of the bolts over time but has anyone seen this or any reason why I can't just wait until the next change?

'99 C2, tip, coupe, daily driver 107k miles, runs like a top.

Thanks,

Gary

Edited July 14, 2010 by gary996

[jyoteen]

Hello All,

I am about to replace my front calipers, rotors not needed this time. I got the pads and wear sensors but forgot to get the bolts, which they recommend you change every time as well. Anyone have any thoughts on the necessity of that? I could see that there could be heat/cool cycle issues that could affect the integrity of the bolts over time but has anyone seen this or any reason why I can't just wait until the next change?

'99 C2, tip, coupe, daily driver 107k miles, runs like a top.

Thanks,

Gary

You're SUPPOSED to replace the bolts as they are stretch bolts, but I don't. Although, I change out my pads with a much higher frequency due to tracking, so i'm on my second round of the bolts.

Also use red locktite on them and clean the bolts, receiving threads fully with wire brush to get rid of the loctite each time.

[jgriffin56]

IS bypassing the bolts a time or money problem? The bolts are not expensive and if you have the time to get them (any Porsche Dealer or Indy will have them) get them . Porsche highly recommends that you replace the bolts. Dealers and Indy will also replace the bolts, However if you are not down to the sensors on the pads yet, they can be reusable, as long as they have not be worn at all ( dash "brake" warning light on).

[judgejon]

Gary, my initial reaction would be to change the bolts. they are not too expensive and you're right there to do it. Just might give you some peace of mind, if nothing else.

Have you experienced any problems with opening the bleeder valves? I've had an issue with frozen bleeders and have had one actually break off. the situation is all set out in the 996 DIY forum maintainence section regarding bleeding brakes. I ended up "plugging" the sheared off bleeder with a 5mm bolt and will ultimately have to likely drill all 8 out and replace them. Brakes are still working fine.

I mention this only because if I was taking the calipers off I'd replace the bolts without hesitation. I plan on doing this and drilling out all 8 bleeders when I need to replace the pads. Good luck....

[Dharn55]

You don't need to remove the caliper to change the pads.

[gary996]

You don't need to remove the caliper to change the pads.

Off the top of my head, if you don't remove the calipers then you don't need to change the bolts, right? Are you suggesting that the pads be compressed and wedged out in the gap between them and the rotor?

The issue isn't cost but convenience in going and getting something that may not be needed.

Gary

[Dharn55]

Take the cover off the brake fluid reservoir and cover it to keep fluid from spilling, remove the cotter pin, remove the brake pin, take out the sensors, remove the spring and slide out the pads. You may have to compress the pads into the cylinder slightly to slide out the pads, and definitely will have to compress the pistons back into the calipers to get new pads in, there are tools for both extracting the pads and compressing the pistons. If you are replacing the vibration dampers it may be easier to remove the calipers, but it can de done without removing them.

[gary996]

Take the cover off the brake fluid reservoir and cover it to keep fluid from spilling, remove the cotter pin, remove the brake pin, take out the sensors, remove the spring and slide out the pads. You may have to compress the pads into the cylinder slightly to slide out the pads, and definitely will have to compress the pistons back into the calipers to get new pads in, there are tools for both extracting the pads and compressing the pistons. If you are replacing the vibration dampers it may be easier to remove the calipers, but it can de done without removing them.

Thanks, nothing different here and I will replace the vib. pads so more clearance is needed. Best so pull the calipers, I set them on a 5gl. bucket and it all works fine.