Replacement bolts with brake job

[Michael White]

Do all of you know that many of the GM vehicles require replacing caliper bolts when doing a brake job?? What is a shocker is the cost. Some take 4 bolts at a dealer cost of over $9 a piece. In fact, the bolts retail for more than the pads in some cases.
To check it out, look up in SI 2000 under caliper brake replacement. You will find that late model N and W cars require it. I think there are som Montanas and Firebirds with the that require the bolts. My concern is cost. With pads in the $40-50 dollars and bolts as high as $60 , how do we maintain a competitive advantage? What is happening in reality is the techs will not replace the bolts. could this open us up to extreme liability??
GMSPO is doing a national advertising campaign for a $99 brake job. With parts alone retailing for over $125 with the bolts, what kind of deal is this?? I know GMSPO is not aware of the bolt concern.
Probably most of y ou are not as well.
Mike

[gizmo]

Mike,
I looked up a 2000 Grand Am and a 2001 Grand Am (N-bodies)on si200. Here's what si2k had to say about bolt replacement:

[font color="blue"]Inspect the caliper bolts and pins for corrosion or damage. Use new parts when installing the caliper if any corrosion is found. Do not attempt to polish away corrosion.
[/font]

According to GM, the bolts only need to be replaced if corrosion is found.

Have you opened a set of Genuine GM N-body brake pads lately? 2 caliper bolts are included in each set of N-body brake pads, which is strange because 4 caliper bolts must be removed to replace the brake pads.

I don't know about Montanas/Ventures...we don't see 'em in my shop.

[Michael White]

Gizmo,

I looked up in SI m2000 in service manual section. For both the Grand AMS
and Gran Prix is stqates very specifically to replace the bolts. I will list the doc number when I get back to work on Monday for you to see. Do you have the doc number for your reference?
Mike

[gizmo]

Mike,

Grand Am front pad replacement: Document ID # 636200

Grand Am rear pad replacement: Document ID # 636201

Step #9 of the rear pad replacement procedure says

"Inspect the following parts for cuts, tears, or deterioration. Replace any damaged parts:
The disc brake mounting and hardware. Refer to Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection - Rear .
The caliper dust boot. Refer to Brake Caliper Inspection."

As I read it, the bolts are only to be replaced if damaged or deteriorated.

I checked the 2001 Grand Prix (Document ID # 698594 front pads, Document ID # 698598 rear pads) and step 11 of each procedure clearly states

"Inspect the caliper mounting hardware for the following conditions:
Cuts
Tears
Deterioration
Replace any damaged hardware. Refer to Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection."

Again, as I read it, only damaged or deteriorated hardware must be replaced.

If you find a document that says otherwise, please let me know.