Repair Guide: How to change your brakes and rotor.
#27
I tend to use the C-Clamp to compress the caliper BEFORE removing any bolts. This way it all comes apart very easily.
Also, I have learned, per the shop book you need to apply GM Threadlocker to the bolts that hold the caliper bracket to the spindle. From what I have found, Red LocTite should be the same as the GM Thread locker (FYI, it's on my bolts now and I have proven, it will break with hand tools after it's curing time).
Also, I have learned, per the shop book you need to apply GM Threadlocker to the bolts that hold the caliper bracket to the spindle. From what I have found, Red LocTite should be the same as the GM Thread locker (FYI, it's on my bolts now and I have proven, it will break with hand tools after it's curing time).
#28
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mentor, Ohio
Posts: 12,153
Also, GM uses a dry red thread lock compound on the bolts where they are new (I know this as I had to get a replacement bolt once from the dealer). It's not much, just a little of the dry compound, but it works.
Unfortunately, I have had 3 different cars that use the caliper and caliper bracket have a bolt that holds the bracket to to the knuckle go MIA and cause problems. I did some research and found many others with cars using this design from all manufactures with this issue and common suggestion to use thread lock.
For those who never had that problem, it's possible my issue was brought on by cleaning all the crud from the bolts before re-installing. The issue that could create is removing whatever was left of the original dry thread lock.
Attached is a screenshot from the actual GM shop book on re-installing those bolts. GM is telling you to use thread lock. After those three issues without thread lock, I am now using it on those bolts every time.
#29
As the procedure clearly states in step #3 tighten bolt to 180N-M or 133 lb ft of torque. These bolts are tighter than the wheels on your car you wont be breaking them loose with a hand ratchet. I have never used heat ,I either use a breaker bar or a impact
#30
Looks like I ruffled some feathers LOL When I changed my rotors just recently those bolts were almost to the point of non loosening , I cant really see them needing loc tight ,but for sure do what the book says. They just might need it with 200 ft pounds of torque on them (I didn't think so ) Infact I put never seize on them. Dont throw a nut guys it was just my observation . Herman