2002 Saturn SL2 Brake Caliper Mounting Bolt Issues

DANIE0509

MEMBER
2002 SATURN SL2
120,700 MILES

For the 4th time just recently my front top right brake caliper mounting bolt has slipped out while driving causing me to have to come to an immediate halt, I've replaced it with bolts similar to it but not the actual bolt. I was told by a GM Dealer Mechanic that the bolt has been discontinued (much like the model I presume). I would like to buy a bolt as close to the actual thing as possible but I'm not sure of the exact length, I do know that the head is 18mm. Please help, any advice would be greatly appreciated, I've had my children in the car on the fwy 3 out of the 4 times this has happened. I am now afraid to even drive the thing, but it's my only means of transportation. Please help!

3 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

I have never seen one of those bolts come loose like that unless it was never tightend up or the threads on the bolt or knuckle were damaged. The exact bolt isn't a must as long as the thread pitch and bolt diameter and length are the same it should work fine. If you have replaced the bolt sounds like the threads in the knuckle are damaged. Have you checked the threads in the knuckle for damage?

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Saturday, August 24th, 2013 AT 6:09 PM

DANIE0509

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for your fast response, you have no idea of my appreciate at this moment in my life. Anyhow, I have not checked the threads in the knuckle, but it does make sense because it's always the same bolt even after we've taken off the bottom bolt and the bolt's on the left side for a comparison, none of the others come "back" loose. I was thinking about using Loctite, I did a little research and found that the blue Loctite is not as tough as the red one. What do you think?

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Saturday, August 24th, 2013 AT 8:13 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

If the threads are damaged which I think they Are loctite isn't a option. If I had to mAke the repair I would have two choices replace the knuckle or repair the threads with a heli coil kit. You get one in that size I am sure it comes with the tap thread installer tap and thread inserts. Then you have to buy the correct size drill bit to make the hole big enough to thread it for the new thread insert.I would use the heli coil if I did it for myself or a customer.

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Saturday, August 24th, 2013 AT 9:01 PM