johnb102 Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 While trying to remove the Caliper Lock Pin to change the rear pads on my 95 Legacy Wagon I broke the Caliper Lock Pin off so that I can now freely rotate the caliper up to access the pads, but have no way to lock it back in place. The end of the pin that broke off is flush with the opposite end of the caliper, so I see no hope of getting it out. Since this is beyond my ability to fix, I wonder if it would be safe to lower the caliper back into place and drive about 1/2 mile on a local road to the mechanic. Otherwise I would need to get a tow truck to move it over there. Will the mechanic likely be able to get the pin out and replace it with a new one, or will I need a new caliper? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenSisters Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 Free advice is worth what you pay for it. When I was diagnosing a wheel bearing problem (noise),I wanted to eliminate any brake noise. I removed the caliper, hung it by a wire from the strut, and shoved and fastened a piece of wood in between the pads so the piston wouldn't pop out when the brakes were applied. I considered it safe for evaluation at low speeds, but am not suggesting you follow my lead. Why not buy a rebuilt caliper and fix it in the driveway? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subeman90 Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 I did this years ago.... First and foremost the "pin" you broke is a special metric bolt that you most likely will only find at your local dealer. It is $10 If you try to get the piece out or your mechanic tries and fails or screws up the caliper bracket it will cost you like $80 or so from the dealer. Here is what you do. Try to get it out or have the mechanic try. If you fail go to a junk yard and get another bracket. Don't be surprised if you have to buy caliper and all...(I did) but it will be much cheaper.... even the subaru dealer told me to look for used parts...he said it was nuts to order and pay for the new parts. Do NOT skimp on that bolt. It is metric threaded and hardened. When reinstalling use anti sieze on it too! (because of it being hard to find on a sat. afternoon I keep 2 on standby) Do what the person said about the wood in the caliper and limp the car home of to the garage. Save the money on the tow..... Side note: a rebuilt caliper doesn't come with the bracket....atleast the ones I have bought didn't. Good luck, Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G.Cody Posted September 7, 2004 Share Posted September 7, 2004 While trying to remove the Caliper Lock Pin to change the rear pads on my 95 Legacy Wagon I broke the Caliper Lock Pin off so that I can now freely rotate the caliper up to access the pads, but have no way to lock it back in place. The end of the pin that broke off is flush with the opposite end of the caliper, so I see no hope of getting it out. Since this is beyond my ability to fix, I wonder if it would be safe to lower the caliper back into place and drive about 1/2 mile on a local road to the mechanic. Otherwise I would need to get a tow truck to move it over there. Will the mechanic likely be able to get the pin out and replace it with a new one, or will I need a new caliper? I realize this is a very old posting...but if you are now reading this old posting, for a new/current broken Bolt/Pin problem: BAD NEWS: If you break this bolt...the bolt must come from Subaru, anything else is a waste of time.. GOOD NEWS: The bracket (at least on a 1992 & 1994 legacy wagon) is threaded on the top and bottom of this bracket (the bottom is where the broken off bolt thread is still lodged) Pull the bracket, turn it up end, and with your new Subaru supplied bolt in hand, reassamble.....G.Cody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jclay Posted September 8, 2004 Share Posted September 8, 2004 Do a search for : "Boken caliper pin...help!" which is my post from when i did the exact same thing, good advice there. I drove for weeks w/ my caliper wired shut w/ wire (obviouslly)and did not notice any difference, but deny any responsibility... jared Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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