stuartjar

This is the first time I am changing my rotors on my 2005 987 Boxster myself. I have watched some videos and the only question I have is can I reuse the caliper bolts. Most say to replace them every time you take off the calipers. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Bill Lehman

Most say you should change the bolts. When I did the change on my tracked Cayman I reused the existing bolts. No issues. The new bolts have a Torx head so I you change bolts, you will need to buy a new socket.

Macster

Generally the factory manuals require the bolts be replaced. They're not stretch bolts so that's not the reason.

The reason is the new bolts come with a factory (bolt factory) applied dry lubricate that ensures the bolt when tightened does not introduce extra friction that makes the torque read higher than it actually is.

The new bolts with their lubricate also protect the threads in the calipers which are made of aluminum.

Price new caliper bolts and then new calipers and see which you'd rather replace: Bolts or calipers.

It has been a while since I've done the brakes on my cars - though both are getting close to need brakes so it won't be too much longer... -- but used to be Porsche offered a brake kit one kit per axle that IIRC contains all new brake hardware: pad retainer, retainer pin, spring clip, new flat head counter sunk screws that are used to hold the rotors in place when the wheels are removed and new caliper bolts.

One had to buy the pads and rotors separately but the rest of the brake hardware was contained in the kit.

Oh, I think the wear sensors had to be bought separately too.

Given a set of brakes last upwards of 30 to 50K miles a new kit (price a couple of years ago less than $50 per axle) seems cheap compared to what the cost can be from reusing critical hardware.

Sincerely,

Macster.

stuartjar

Hi Bill,

Thanks for your input. I think I am good to go! I'll be swapping out rotors and pads next weekend in preparation for my next track day in January.

stuartjar

Hi Macster,

Thanks for your input. I think I am good to go! I'll be swapping out rotors and pads next weekend in preparation for my next track day in January. Both you and Bill were a help.

stuartjar

Hi Bill & Macster,

New front rotors and brakes all around. I did use the existing bolts and will update this thread if I have any negative issues. Thanks for the advice.