Caliper bolts not fitting in all the way after replacing the brakes

MEREDITHD

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

I just did the brakes on my car and the caliper bolts don't seem to go in as far as they were before the brake job. Help!

Sunday, January 31st, 2010 AT 4:26 PM

5 Replies

SCOTTY DEE

MECHANIC
592 POSTS

Did you replace calipers? Are the rubber boots still on the caliper?

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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 1:40 PM

MEREDITHD

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The calipers have not been replaced, just the pads. And the rubber boots are in place. When we started, the bolts were recessed and since reinstalling them, both don't go in as far as they were. They feel tight but aren't recessed into the sleeve anymore.

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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 1:40 PM

SCOTTY DEE

MECHANIC
592 POSTS

Does everything feel tight? Can you see any caliper bolt thread through the caliper on the backside?

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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 1:40 PM

MEREDITHD

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I can't see any threads. The caliper does appear to be tight up against the mount, though.

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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 1:40 PM

SCOTTY DEE

MECHANIC
592 POSTS

Go ahead and test the brakes with the front suspension off the ground enough to allow the tires to clear. Apply the brake pedal and listen for any weird stuff. If it passes, test drive on a street, and if all is good reinspect and call it chicken.