So I changed out my pads today and when I was putting the bolt that goes into the bottom that allows you to swing it up, I tightened it a bit too much, and took out about half the threads from the inside of the caliper. put it as tight as I can by hand (no tools at all) but any farther and it just goes right back around.

 

I figure if nothing else the wheel itself would keep the caliper from sliding up, and the bolt is kinda in there too.

 

Is it safe(ish) to drive it like this? At least until I can get it repaired? At low speeds maybe?

if you tighten the other bolt it'll be fine. not saying I recommend it - but i would do it and it would hold just fine. i'd drive it like that until i got another bracket or repair parts ready.

 

buy a longer bolt that's the same thread pitch as the original and it can often access threads that are deeper and unused. usually the holes are quite deeper than the original bolt. i've done it a hundred times...though not on a caliper. be best to chase the threads with a tap if you have one first.

 

worst case - it's easily repairable with a time-sert or other thread repair device. or simply drill and tap for a larger bolt.

 

or swap the bracket with another one.

Ok thanks, that at least makes me feel better about driving it haha.

Oh wait I just read that again and I think we are talking about different bolts. The threads I stripped are the ones that the long bolt goes into which allows you to swing the caliper up to change the pads, not the ones that hold the bracket on. Still ok to drive? Sorry for the confusion.

You're both talking about the same bolt. I think you're in OK shape per gary's suggestions.

 

Maybe even put some thread locker on there to keep the bolt from backing out, but I imagine there should be enough "tension" to keep it in place anyway.

 

If you don't want to repair the threads I'm sure you can find a bracket for a few bucks at a yard.

 

I think the torque specs for the caliper bolts are around 20 ft-lbs.

 

EDIT: Duh, little tired. You actually don't need a new bracket even, just a new caliper pin. (The piece with the rubber boot on it that the bolt goes into will pull right out of the caliper bracket, and you can put a new one in). Not sure if they sell them individually - but shouldn't be more than a few bucks.

Edited July 25, 201213 yr by nickb21
Additional Info.

Ah nice thanks, didn't realize that.

 

Well I went for a drive to the store and clearly heard that bolt fall out and roll on the ground on the way there hehe. I pulled over to look for it but couldn't find it so I'll be hitting an auto parts store to get a new pin as you suggested.

 

Thanks for the help you guys I really thought I was screwed for a bit there, and was planning on getting a whole new caliper. /facepalm