PDA

View Full Version : Brake Caliper Bolts


fizzwheel
10-04-10, 12:45 PM
Is Copper slip OK to use on these when fitting new ones ? Its the bolts that hold the caliper to the front forks that I need to replace.

I suspect the answer is yes, but I would like to double check.

Spikenipple
10-04-10, 12:50 PM
I'd be more inclined to use threadlock than copperslip! As the weather is just turning nice, seizing then in won't (read: shouldn't) be much of a problem so just clean the caliper threads up nicely and stick some locking compound on a few turns of the bolt.

AndyBrad
10-04-10, 12:57 PM
do what the manual states. note torque values are usually for none lubricated threads so putting copperslip on them would mean you would actually achieve a higher value than indicated.

that is if you use a torque wrench!

mister c
10-04-10, 01:03 PM
I put copperslip on mine, havent had any problems in about 30 years

AndyBrad
10-04-10, 01:13 PM
aye to be fair its probably not going to make a blind bit of difference.

Sir Trev
10-04-10, 05:47 PM
aye to be fair its probably not going to make a blind bit of difference.

It will when you come to try and take them off and they shear 'cos they're seized in...

A bit of Coppaslip and the right torque will be fine.

timwilky
10-04-10, 05:49 PM
I always use locktight on them

fizzwheel
10-04-10, 06:00 PM
It will when you come to try and take them off and they shear 'cos they're seized in...

Which is precisley why I need new caliper bolts. One was completely seized in the caliper and now has a nut welded to the top of it. The other 3 some tw*t in one of the garages I have taken my bike to at some point has rounded the heads off on.

garynortheast
10-04-10, 08:48 PM
I've done all the things you're not supposed to do with the brake caliper bolts on my baby gixer. I've used stainless caphead allen bolts and put copperslip on the threads and they've never moved or shown any sign of shear stress. I did torque them up though.

petevtwin650
11-04-10, 05:05 AM
I've done all the things you're not supposed to do with the brake caliper bolts on my baby gixer. I've used stainless caphead allen bolts and put copperslip on the threads and they've never moved or shown any sign of shear stress. I did torque them up though.

If they had, you probably still wouldn't be here to post that, but I know what you mean Gary:)

Copaslip for me too. :cool:

lee67
11-04-10, 05:26 AM
copperslip everytime, no issues in 26yrs;)

garynortheast
11-04-10, 07:11 AM
I've also fitten stainless allen discbolts to mount the discs but I do confess to stumping up the money and buying aircraft grade s/s ones for that!

Spanner Man
11-04-10, 11:32 AM
Good afternoon all.


I have always used a touch of copperslip on caliper retaining bolts, & never had a problem, & I've done a few (thousand) over the last 30 odd years.
Disc retaining bolts on the other hand should always be loctited.

do what the manual states. note torque values are usually for none lubricated threads so putting copperslip on them would mean you would actually achieve a higher value than indicated.

that is if you use a torque wrench!


This subject causes a more than a little confusion. Stated torque values assume a smooth thread, as opposed to one that's a little 'snatchy'. The only way to achieve a smooth acting thread is to lightly lubricate it.
I've never had a problem torquing bolts up to their specified torque, with a lubricated thread.
I think that in most instances where a thread has stripped when being torqued up to it's specified torque, are down to either the thread being stretched by being overtightened on a previous occasion. Or, simply innacurate torque wrenches.


Cheers.

Richie
11-04-10, 02:22 PM
I use never seize, a nickel based product.
I got a tin of it for free, and as you all know free is a better price than £0.01p :0)

Dave20046
11-04-10, 03:02 PM
I use copperslip too.

Spanner Man
11-04-10, 03:54 PM
I use never seize, a nickel based product.
I got a tin of it for free, and as you all know free is a better price than £0.01p :0)


My own favourite poison :D It's made by Bostik & quite difficult to get hold of. Snap-On sell it. It's around £25 per tin. I've used it on caliper pistons for Donkeys years, works a treat!
For general nuts & bolts I use a Wurth product called AL1100. Again, it's not cheap, but lasts extremely well.


Cheers.

AndyBrad
11-04-10, 06:04 PM
Good afternoon all.


I have always used a touch of copperslip on caliper retaining bolts, & never had a problem, & I've done a few (thousand) over the last 30 odd years.
Disc retaining bolts on the other hand should always be loctited.




This subject causes a more than a little confusion. Stated torque values assume a smooth thread, as opposed to one that's a little 'snatchy'. The only way to achieve a smooth acting thread is to lightly lubricate it.
I've never had a problem torquing bolts up to their specified torque, with a lubricated thread.
I think that in most instances where a thread has stripped when being torqued up to it's specified torque, are down to either the thread being stretched by being overtightened on a previous occasion. Or, simply innacurate torque wrenches.


Cheers.

i would agree with that.