Caliper Support

[Peterboro Pete]

Hello all

It was a nice warm day so I did some car maintenance today. I changed the forward O2 sensor to get rid of the check engine light, which worked wonderful! No more light.

Then I thought I would do the front brakes as they were starting to get low and we still have a few more months of winter to deal with. Passenger side went well, driver-side not so!

The heads for the caliper support bolts snapped off at the heads. Not the 2 that hold the caliper, but the bigger ones that hold the support. After looking at it for a bit I pulled out the grinder and cut it off! Not dealing with drilling, extracting in that cramped location.

Now I need a new support. Does anyone have a part number? Is this a dealer only part?

Thanks in advance!!

[SubyTechJoe]

You can get the Caliper and support as a set from the dealer or most retailers. You will need the bolts that hold the caliper support to the knuckle as well. I recommend dealer for those and a touch of Antiseize to prevent further seizing. The caliper Bracket is available separately from A1 Cardone PN # 141665 (rockauto)

[CSFiend]

Just a comment... from your description, it sounds like you'll either have to drill out the caliper bracket bolts from the spindle and then tap them to the correct thread (there's not enough room between the spindle holes and the rotor for a nut) or replace the spindle...

edit: I'm wrong. As stated below by grossgary, the bolt passes through the knuckle and threads into the bracket. No threads in the knuckle.

[cardoc]

When you get a replacement bracket, you should use "loc-tite" blue on the bolts and torque the bolt to 58 ft lbs. Anti-sieze is not recommended. You want that bolt to stay in. As long as its not over torqued as the ones you cut off, the loc-tite will make sure it doesn't back out and will be easy to remove next time.

[grossgary]

be careful to make sure you get the right bracket. i have seen two different style brackets on 02 and 03 Outbacks and most importantly - there is no rhyme or reason to it. i no longer trust ordering by year/make/model for 02's and 03's. and the different brackets take different pads, here are the two style pads that fit only in their respective brackets.

the most common style I've seen and what yours probably is, is this with the "thin" ears:
Wagner PD929A Front Premium Non Asbestos Pads | eBay

I've seen some have the thicker ears and this shape:
Centric Parts 301 07700 Rear Premium Ceramic Pads | eBay

it's just a piece of metal so it's not a wear item at all, a used bracket is fine. you can get those in the parts wanted forum here or a junk yard. i probably have one but not the time to mess with it.

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market to find some close to you.

there are new ones on ebay for $28 with shipping included.

as they said - you'll have the remainder of the bolt in the knuckle to deal with.

left handed high quality drill bits are the best for getting out stuck fasteners. whatever you do - avoid an EZ Out at all costs, don't even try one.

[Peterboro Pete]

I have all the parts out, and ready for new parts to go in. Heading out in a bit with old cut in half support to get a new one and bolts.

I always try a take a old part with me as there are always a revision or 2 on parts no matter what make and model.

As for the bolts snapping I am sure it was due to the last mechanic over torquing.

[grossgary]

Originally Posted by Peterboro Pete

I have all the parts out, and ready for new parts to go in.

Oh right - the bolt passes through the knuckle and is not threaded in it. Got it. So this is an easy repair, just get a new bracket.

[Peterboro Pete]

Ya I just got my grinder out and cut the bracket so I could get the rotor off, then got the Metric BFH and hit it hard!

[CSFiend]

Originally Posted by grossgary

Oh right - the bolt passes through the knuckle and is not threaded in it. Got it. So this is an easy repair, just get a new bracket.

Bah! You're right. Disregard my previous comment above.

[Peterboro Pete]

So I went to the dealer and they quoted the support at $84 and each bolt at $4. Not in stock.

Best part is they place their parts order on Wed to be delivered on Friday! WTF!! My Ford dealer can have stuff to me in 4 hours, even on a Saturday!

This car will not be in my driveway long.