ammo_collector

I feel like an idiot. It was my first rear brake pad and rotor replacement DIY and used Robin's DIY instructions for the front brakes. However, I unbolted the 10mm bolts on the caliper, thinking these would remove the caliper from the wheel hub.

I left the 2 smaller outer bolts alone and after I realized my mistake, unbolted the correct 16mm bolts. DOH! Someone had said earlier that removing the 10mm bolts on the caliper would require a caliper rebuild.

Is this true even if the two smaller bolts holding the caliper together remained intact? How necessary is the rebuild?

BTW, I have (1) Bridgestone 225/40/18 N-2 tire with 50% tread remaining free for any Rennlist member who wants to pick it up...

Mike_A

ben....did you reinstall the bolts before putting any pressure in the system? .....completed the pad replacement?....if so, i would try to bleed the system and check for any leakage....if the caliper has been compromised, you'll know it right away.....you won't be able to get any pedal

ammo_collector

After I realized I couldn't get the caliper off, I reinstalled the 10mm bolts and took off the 16mm bolts. I didn't perform a fluid flush nor did I disconnect any brake lines when removing the caliper. The system is still pressurized and the pedal is firm. I hope this is a good sign!

ca993twin

Ben,

Totally a thread hijack here, since I can't add anything useful to your thread: What is the reference to "ammo collector"? Do you collect old or antique stuff or are you a shooter or what? I have some old ammo in boxes, and don't know if it has any value. Email me at ca993twin@yahoo.com if you want to keep this thread pure.

ammo_collector

Ammo Collector is simply my online gaming handle. Back in the days of first-person shooter games like Doom or Quake, my friends gave me that nickname due to my inability to do anything but die quickly. They said I had a habit of "collecting" ammo in my torso and head. Kinda dumb, but I guess the name just stuck.

Edward

Ben,

If the pedal is firm and you're not leaking any brake fluid, you dodged a bullet. Fortunately, you only loosened two, and didn't pry or apply enough pressure to the brakes and so the calipers stayed together. For peace of mind, I'd torque them to spec, clean them up REALLY well, and brake hard for a bit, also checking that the car is stopping in a straight line w/o steering input. Then pop off the wheel and take a good, close look again. And don't feel too bad, we've all done some doozies at one time or another.

Edward

chris walrod

I wouldn't worry too much. These calipers use a transfer tube to get fluid and pressure to the outboard half of the caliper, or at least the fronts do. Now that I think about it, is there a transfer tube on the standard rear caliper? I will have to go out in the garage and have a look...HHMMM..

chris walrod

just checked the rear calipers on my car..yep the rears indeed use a transfer tube...

For what its worth...