QA

Which Direction To Loosen Brake Caliper Bolts

Looking at the upper surface of the bolt-head from above, turning the bolt counter clockwise (CCW) loosens it, clockwise (CW) tightens it. Ccommonly, nuts and bolts that are cut with Left Hand Threads operate the other way.

Are brake caliper bolts reverse threaded?

Just like any other fastener, the brake caliper bolts work best when they are removed and installed properly. Note: While we’re all taught that lefty-loosey – righty-tighty is the preferred method, some brake caliper bolts are reverse thread. This is where referring to your vehicle’s service manual is critical.

How tight do caliper bolts have to be?

Because caliper bolts MUST stay on, they need a LOT of torque. AutoZone, for example, recommends 113 pound feet of torque. To put that number in perspective, the average person can, according to NASA, apply about 15 pound feet with a bare hand.

How tight should caliper slide bolts be?

Snug is fine. Caliper bolts are loaded in SHEAR, which means a force they experience is trying to cut them off as if they were being decapitated. The tightness of the bolt IS important, but not as important as the strength of the bolt to resist the shear forces.

Should you use anti seize on brake caliper bolts?

If you use it on caliper slides they will seize up and become frozen in place. If you use it to lubricate the pads they will also become stuck and not move properly.

Should you put Loctite on caliper bolts?

STOC #687. I’ve never used Loctite on the caliper bolts on any bike I’ve ever owned in over 400k miles of riding. Red loctite is the one that is considered permanent and requires a lot of torque and/or heat to remove, so that would seem like total overkill. Blue is probably the better choice if you use any at all.

Should you grease caliper bolts?

Not lubricating the guide pins: Caliper guide pins on floating calipers should be cleaned in solvent and new grease should be applied. The grease is under extreme heat and pressure so always use a caliper specific grease. NEVER put a torn boot back on a car. 3.

Can you put calipers on upside down?

It is possible for brake calipers to be installed upside down, especially if you made a mistake in installing them. They may still work when installed upside down. However, you will have a very hard time bleeding the brakes if you install the brake calipers upside down.

Can brake pads be put on backwards?

Metal backing plate against rotor – you’ll destroy the rotor. Pads in wrong location – wear quicker than normal, if you can even put it back together. They won’t fit nor be possible to locate in position.

How tight should brake rotors be?

Changing a disc brake rotor with an electric drill Start off by setting up your drill for disc-brake duty. SRAM/Avid states that its rotors should be tightened to 6.2nm (55 in lb), while Shimano recommends 2-4nm (18 – 35 in lb) for its rotors.

Why can’t I push the caliper piston back?

The piston has to be pushed directly back into the caliper, any additional force on one side of it will cause it to bind up and not go back into the caliper. Try getting a big C-clamp and then using the plate from the old brake pad to push down directly over the piston.

Where do I put anti seize on brakes?

Anti Seize: The only place to sparingly use anti seize lubricant is on the brake rotor center hole, where it rides on the wheel hub. On caliper slides, it will dry out and seize up, but not before destroying the rubber boots.

Is brake grease same as anti seize?

Anti-seize is also a greasy lubricating substance, but unlike brake grease, it can take some heat. It can withstand temperatures up to 2600 degrees, thanks to its high-solids content. The flip side of that is that it can’t be applied to fast-moving metals. It could easily jam the rotating parts and damage the system.

Can you use wheel bearing grease on caliper pins?

Wheel bearing grease – not the best. You wouldn’t be happy if your local Mechanic used it. The best lubricant is one that withstands high temperatures, doesn’t attract dirt, and is friendly to rubber components. Synthetic disc brake lubricant such as this one will work just fine.

What does loctite Blue do?

It protects threads from rust and corrosion and prevents loosening from shock and vibration. Loctite® Threadlocker Blue 242 is particularly suited for applications on less active substrates such as stainless steel and plated surfaces, where disassembly is required for servicing.

What is yellow loctite used for?

Typical Use: Used to lock and seal fine threaded nuts, bolts and studs in a wide variety of applications where removal with hand tools is necessary. This product is also used for mounting bearings, bushings and other shaft related applications.

Are all caliper bolts the same?

The ones that hold the caliper on are the same size. You may have those confused with the caliper bracket, which is a different size. I usually keep the top caliper bolt in and just swing the caliper up. They have different part numbers and manual states different sizesJan 10, 2012.

What happens if you don’t grease brakes?

This lack of lubrication causes a few things to happen. First, because the brakes don’t contact the rotor properly, your brake pads can wear unevenly. Second, the slide pins may stick, causing the brake pad to continually contact the rotor, resulting in a buildup of heat, which wears your brake pads down faster.