Broken caliper guide pins

[123lalao]

Hi everyone, long time lurker, first time poster.

Today I tried my first ever front brake replacement which was totally fine until the caliper guide pins snapped at the threads, leaving the threaded part stuck in the bracket . I broke 2 because I didn't even notice they were broken until I went to put them back in and they wouldn't screw (I thought they just looked short).

The dealership quoted me $40 for each pin; is it even worth getting just pin replacements or should I replace the entire caliper bracket? How would I get the threaded part out? I imagine the other side would have the same problem. Both brackets are pretty rusted because my car is a used 2006 2.0L.

I'm a total mechanic newbie so any help would be appreciated.

[TheMAN]

you'll need new pins and new bolts... don't even waste time trying to extract or drill the old ones out... they broke because they're seized by rust

[don77]

This exact same thing happened to me the other day and I called the dealer today and they told me I had to buy the whole caliper. Maybe they gave me the wrong info. In any case the guide pins you want can be had for about $4 for 2 from an online parts store that has local pickup at their office in Etobicoke. The place has 'monkey' in it's name - just google it.

[ken6214]

While we are talking about calipers, does anybody know if the rubber boots (bushings) that the pins slide into are available by themselves. If they are, are they easy to swap out? Seems like Mine have swelled or disformed because the pins do not slide easily and are wearing out the outside pad. Thanks for any info.

[morganc]

Yes, they are available on their own. They'll be a part of the caliper 'hardware kit' which should also come with tension springs and new slider pins (in some cases). The aluminum bores corrode and stick to the rubber, so getting them out can be a bit tedious. Either push them out with a large slot blade screwdriver or cut them out. Make sure you clean the bores out before putting the new ones in (dremel, battery brush or copper tubing brush) and give the outside of the boots a coat of silicone brake lube to help with the reinsertion.

[don77]

For gen2 bushings you can get either the Raybestos H16113 or ACDELCO 18K1447.

[ken6214]

Yup I ordered a set from Rock Auto, came in today. Thanks for the help.