Opinions on oversized caliper bolt longevity

[nbpt100]

I stripped the caliper bolt on my VW. I had an oversized caliper bolt that fit it and installed it. It is an oddball thread M9-1.25. I think they do this so people don't just throw a bolt from the hardware store in there. I am digressing.
My question is:
The next time a do a brake job. Will the threads hold up or will I need to retap it and install a helicoil.

Have people reinstalled them safely?
I know if I ask this question on some automotive boards the safety Gods will reflexively flame me to shreds.

If I can't get honest and accurate answers here, then I won't anywhere.

 

[rlitman]

Good question. I recently did the brakes on my car, and found that someone had stuck a longer bolt in the caliper frame because one was stripped like yours. It worked well enough, but pissed me off so I bought a cheap Chinese helicoil kit (it cost me under $10, but took a month to arrive) and went that route (actually, I looked at replacing the caliper frame, but found nothing available aftermarket, and balked at the dealer cost).

I too would like to hear the opinion of the GJ mind on this topic.

 

[sberry]

If its a hardened bolt its probably fine. One of the main reasons they want hard in some of those places is tightness. If you can get it tight likely to work fine.

 

[Wrench97]

Oversize?

Is it made to be a replacement or a bolt from something else?

Probably a good idea to just pick up a rebuilt caliper and swap it out or if this is the type where the bolt screws into the slide pin a new pin it.

What year model and position on the car?

 

[isb cornbinder]

Hard and tight. What are the chances?

 

[firebirdparts]

Very good question. Seeing that the oversize bolt is interference fit, you would be concerned about the damage being done by a brake job. You would. My question would be just how hard is that bolt? Who made it?

On my own car, I would use my judgment, but my expectations would not be very high really. The helicoil would make you feel better.

 

[nbpt100]

It is a HELP or Dorman product. Sometimes they come under other brands but they are all about the same. It actually fits a huge variety of vehicles, Foriegn and Domestic.

I doubt the bolt will fail. It is the threads in the steering knuckle I am concerned with. It is cast iron and softer than the bolt. They do recommend using a thread locker (Loctite) which typically comes with oversized caliper bolts. In my case it was so old I did not trust it. I used my own Blue 242 Loctite. Sorry, I should have included this in opening post.

 

[sberry]

If you are concerned about it then its likely good enough, its **** other people do every day that don't much care you are not aware of that is most of the problem. Actual mechanical failure contributing to liability is rather are,,, if it wasn't no one could get insurance to work on cars especially since 60% of the people works on them are below average. The standard for mechanic training is pretty low.

It is a HELP or Dorman product.

Was it made just for this reason?

 

[Wrench97]

If this is the caliper bracket mounting bolt than do not use a heli-coil use a solid thread insert instead.
Expensive but in a high priority area like brake mounting well worth the investment.
https://www.belmetric.com/m9x125-c-217_218_233/?zenid=a4pavr59u4fhfaag4airn6aaf1

 

[Worsedog]

As directly above, solid insert installed properly. Otherwise scrap it all and fit new. Brakes and steering are no place to be ******* about.

 

[nbpt100]

Was it made just for this reason?

Yes.

If this is the caliper bracket mounting bolt than do not use a heli-coil use a solid thread insert instead.
Expensive but in a high priority area like brake mounting well worth the investment.
https://www.belmetric.com/m9x125-c-217_218_233/?zenid=a4pavr59u4fhfaag4airn6aaf1

No. It is a caliper slide pin. I used the word bolt, as some do, that may be confusing people.
This is what it looks like.
https://www.ebay.com/p/New-Dorman-Brake-Caliper-Bolt-Kit-13894/1111773181?iid=303049304035&chn=ps

 

[sberry]

If it was engineered for this you are good to go. You must not be the only one having this problem, they came up with a solution.

 

[Farmall450]

If it was engineered for this you are good to go. You must not be the only one having this problem, they came up with a solution.

Exactly. People have been using these for a long time.

 

[Wrench97]

Slide pins are cheap and readily available, replace it when you get a chance.

 

[Gaius]

Jeeps also have this problem. A solid threaded insert is the proper fix.

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