Brake disk mounting bolt replacement??

In studying the service manual, I noticed that it recommends replacement of all the brake disk mounting bolts. To me, this sounds a bit wasteful, but I guess I should do it. Is this common practice?

 

I'm pretty sure the manual says to replace each rotor bolt after they are removed, same as the caliper mounting bolts. They come with a high temp thread locking agent that is applied during manufacturing. I removed my stock rotor bolts 2 times and all I did was put loctite on them and then re-installed. I probably wouldn't reuse them too many times, as each time the bolt is torqued, it stretches the bolt. This could lead to structural failure of a very critical fastener.

I have since replaced my bolts with others and they worked just fine with blue loctite. I also put a little antisieze on these bolts before installing, as this area of the machine is prone to moisture and corrosion (different metals in contact). This is a good idea if you ride in the rain or use water to wash your bike.

 

I had noticed that as well. The suggestion I was given was to clean the threads and use red loctite on them. I do not know if that is a wise choice or not. If i remember correctly the genuine bolts have preapplied thread locker, so that's at least one reason it is suggested to replace them each time, being how brakes are critical and all.

 

Loctite red, only if you plan on never taking them off again. Loctite red requires heat to break the bond. If you try to just spin them out with no heat, it will ruin the threads. Plus you will probably destroy the allen socket in the bolt head before you get it off.

 

If you are going to remove these bolts, I also recommend breaking them loose before you remove the wheel from the machine........the ability to hold the wheel with the calipers is a pretty significant help.

 

Just to be safe I would suggest that you replace every bolt that you remove . Can not be too safe.

 

Hm...I am really hoping I used blue not red then. I know I usually use red on car inner tie rod ends....I think I will find out when I try to remove the caliper bolts next time

 

Thanks, NCB. I've never removed the disks, and I don't think the PO did either, so I'll reinstall them with some blue loctite and call it a day. Maybe next time, I'll replace the used bolts with new ones. Thanks for the suggestion about breaking them loose before removing the wheel.

 

No problem, hope it helps you out. :smile:

(If you are looking to replace your rotor bolts in the future, ProBolt has them in stainless and ti. Stronger bolts and very resistant to corrosion.)

 

This article is about the most straight-forward with regard to being short and to the point on fastener considerations. "Proof Load" is the most relevant section with regard to the single-use type of fasteners;

Fastener Facts: Engine Builder

It's kind of funny that Honda would use this type of bolt on the brake calipers, primarily because they have to come off on a semi-regular basis as compared to a cylinder head bolt or something similar.

I need to put on a front tire, and being the tightwad that I am, I'll also remove and service the forks just because I plan on replacing the caliper bolts.