Don't skimp on Thread locker.

[Busterbrown]

Several weeks ago, I replaced the front wheel hubs on my Buick Rainier. A few days after a realignment of the front end, I began to notice clunking over small bumps, almost a classic representation of end links (or sway bar bushings) failing. Both end links were tight and solid prior to the hub replacement job. Because of work and the holiday schedule, tonight I finally had a chance to investigate the source of the noise. With the front end up on jack stands and wheels off, my eyes popped out of my skull as I looked at the top caliper bracket bolt on the right side. Almost completely out with just a few threads holding the bracket in place. I hightailed my a$$ up to O'reilly's for some Permatex blue Threadlocker and applied some to all bracket bolts and caliper bolts.

I mention this only as there are OS member posts claiming that threadlocker adhesive is not necessary in brake applications. I must of had lady luck on my side for the last two years as that was when I replaced rotors, pads, and hardware without the stuff. NEVER again!!!

 

[northcreek]

Several weeks ago, I replaced the front wheel hubs on my Buick Rainier. A few days after a realignment of the front end, I began to notice clunking over small bumps, almost a classic representation of end links (or sway bar bushings) failing. Both end links were tight and solid prior to the hub replacement job. Because of work and the holiday schedule, tonight I finally had a chance to investigate the source of the noise. With the front end up on jack stands and wheels off, my eyes popped out of my skull as I looked at the top caliper bracket bolt on the right side. Almost completely out with just a few threads holding the bracket in place. I hightailed my a$$ up to O'reilly's for some Permatex blue Threadlocker and applied some to all bracket bolts and caliper bolts.

I mention this only as there are OS member posts claiming that threadlocker adhesive is not necessary in brake applications. I must of had lady luck on my side for the last two years as that was when I replaced rotors, pads, and hardware without the stuff. NEVER again!!!

Seems odd..is there a chance that you had a "northcreek moment" and missed those on reassembly?...Mike(northcreek)

 

[Busterbrown]

Seems odd..is there a chance that you had a "northcreek moment" and missed those on reassembly?...Mike(northcreek)

Highly unlikely...even though I've thought about it. My process of reassembly includes 3 passes with the torque wrench on each bolt head. Anything's possible though. In any case, I can sleep tonight in that my brakes won't fail because I was diligent enough NOT to short step reassembly.

 

[ieatglue]

I've done the brakes on the trailblazer about 4 times and never used thread-locker. I've applied some copper anti-seize and tightened them by hitting my ratchet a couple times with my palm to snug them up

 

[Sparky]

Hmm I've never used threadlocker on anything brake or suspension related. Just tightened down real good (admittedly probably above the spec).

I always hate threadlocker because it can make removing a bolt later a huge pain. Yeah, I know, that's the point of the stuff, but...

 

[Busterbrown]

A dab or two of blue to prevent a catastrophic event is the cheapest insurance you can buy.

 

[northcreek]

A dab or two of blue to prevent a catastrophic event is the cheapest insurance you can buy.

I'm going to use some on my jeans zipper so I don't have a catastrophic wardrobe malfunction...Mike.

 

[Bartonmd]

Interestingly enough, unless it's the kind of threadlocker that is the hardened stuff already on the bolts, threadlocker doesn't do a whole hell of a lot unless one or both of the male and female threaded parts can be corroded. If you're using stainless steel or chromed bolts in stainless or plated holes, Loctite doesn't do much of anything for you. The Loctite people came to work and gave us their schpeal, and that was one of the things they harped on. They've had a lot of customers come back to get them to pay for recalls and stuff (tractors, etc.), because bolts have fallen out, and it turns out that the people didn't read the whole spec sheets, and they were using stainless bolts on chromed or stainless parts, and boom. No thread lock.

Mike