[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!!:29:

 

[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.

 

[idosubaru]

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.

 

[idosubaru]

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]

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.

 

[CSFiend]

O'reilly Auto has the bracket in stock here in town. $35.

Bolts are available at any hardware store for $1.20 or so per bolt.

 

[Peterboro Pete]

I am up in Canada and non of the parts stores carry them here.

 

[SubyTechJoe]

As I recall the bolts for the caliper support have a locking spring washer, my recommndation for antiseize is that I suspect the problem is one of rust not over torqueing, and since the vehicle has a Locking washer, at 58 lbft of torque this should not back out anyhow. If Rust was the issue you can likely get a complete caliper set including the bracket from most parts Jobbers. They may also have the bolts as well.

 

[cardoc]

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.

Just your luck Ford has a plant on your side of the lake. I suppose you could either wait out the parts from Subaru or take a trip south to Rochester, NY. That's probably where your parts are coming from.

And use the loc-tite blue.

 

[CSFiend]

Doc, with no disrespect meant, I agree with Joe on this one.

My caliper bracket bolts were definitely seized from rust, not overtorquing. Being in the rust belt, I've used anti-seize liberally on every bolt I've removed for repairs and have never had a problem with them afterwards.

Heck, even factory bolts that have never been touched since production routinely snap if I haven't soaked them in penetrant for a week beforehand.

The lockwasher will keep the bolts snug, as long as you're torquing properly.

 

[cardoc]

I got that. The loc-tite will hold the bolt and prevent rust. That's all you need is a bolt backing out and the caliper riding the rim.