Brakes - is it entirely necessary to renew bolts?

[ArBee]

My C4S brakes are ready for a bit of attention, the pads and discs are due for renewal (my call "" not OPC) and it's a job I have done myself on my previous 996 C4 so I'm not afraid to get stuck in. Last time I did as recommended and changed the two hex bolts on each calliper. However when I bought the new ones at my local indy I got the distinct impression they didn't change them or at least they assessed them on removal before making that call.

I usually follow recommendations to the letter however, having completed this task on the C4 I was struck by the good condition of the bolts and their size. I just thought I would ask the question here to see what other brake DIY's do at this stage.

Large forces through these bolts that render them week?

If so why isn't there a advisory to change them as a matter of course irrespective of the brake change after a certain time in the cars life?

Not trying to cut corners just getting a consensus on this (I need to get out more!!!!)
RB

 

[Mark_Bennett]

How much are they? []

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

£3.20 each. []

I re-use mine. They aren't stretch bolts, so not that critical to change them IMO. As you have probably found before, they can be a bit of a pig to get out if they have been assembled without any anti-seize compound. If the thread picks up in the hub, it can strip in the worst case scenario. It happened on mine once, and I had to use a thread insert to repair it.

 

[ArBee]

Tim,

Apart from what Richard has highlighted above it is pretty straightforward. Just ensure you take care with the retaining screws holding in the brake disc, you can strip the head. A good dose of WD40 and a little moment to have a cuppa at this stage.

Yes you will need to change the anti squeal shims, my old ones were damaged getting the brake pads out of the caliper if my memory serves me well, so there was no way I could have reused them.

RB

 

[Rodney Naghar]

Here's a link in our tehnical section showing how to replace pads and disks.
Arbee is right, make sure you remove those screws carefully.
The only other fiddly bit is pulling out the pad sensors (be very gentle).Other than that there shouldn't be a problem.

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=231501

 

[colt]

Just to add my thoughts. the caliper mounting bolts are use once items because of the anodised coating which they are subjected to. the offoicial line from p germany is to replace any plated fastner after its been used once, particulary if its fitted in to a disimilar material. (have you ever removed all the wheel nuts from an alloy road wheel to find it wont come off without kicking it or similar)This is the corrosion taking place which the coating is supposed to prevent. So if you like replacing your hubs or fitting inserts and or helicoils, carry on and dont replace the bolts, otherwise its £1.58 plus vat each and happy motoring!
i wouldn't personally take the risk over six quid per axle set.