Caliper Bolts - replace or reuse?

[karburn]

I'm getting ready to do a full brake job on my 87 560SL and I have most of the parts gathered. [pads, rotors, rotor screws, front bearing seals, brake hoses, etc. One thing that I've read is that the bolts that fasten the calipers should be replaced and not re-used. True?

If true, I could use some help with the part numbers. EPC shows the fronts as 107 421 0071 and the rears as 116 423 0071

Thanks for the feedback.

[Genbiltstein]

My experience tells me to reuse the caliper bolts; However there many who are more experienced with the Mercedes than I.

[bwostosh]

A light coat of anti-seize and a 1/2" breaker bar with a 19mm socket The shoulder bolts will torque up to the point of your arms falling off before they will even sweat.

Re-use them for life.
Funny how these myths start.

[Strife]

I think that the reason that the manual says to not reuse them is because they had encapsulated lock-tite like material on them when installed at the factory. I would definitely not use anti-seize on these, but I would clean off the old lock-tite stuff out of the threads and put new (_NOT_THE PERMANENT, HIGH STRENGTH, the "removeable" blue type) lock-tite on.

[coleyjf]

Originally Posted by Strife

I think that the reason that the manual says to not reuse them is because they had encapsulated lock-tite like material on them when installed at the factory. I would definitely not use anti-seize on these, but I would clean off the old lock-tite stuff out of the threads and put new (_NOT_THE PERMANENT, HIGH STRENGTH, the "removeable" blue type) lock-tite on.

Totally agree with Strife

[karburn]

Good information. Common sense said to re-use them, but I wanted other opinions. Thanks very much.

[meltedpanda]

always good to ask, many have "been there done that" - good luck , and I agree as well

[jplinville]

No such thing as a stupid question

[Roncallo]

It was standard procedure to replace them at the dealer 20 years ago. But then again knowing that place they probably charged $35.00 a bolt.