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schodackbassman.
Last weekend I had a brake issue. As I was heading to the lake I lost one of the two bolts that holds the front right caliper on. This caused the caliper to lock up the brake, blow the tire, and crack a rim. I was able to remove the caliper, duct tape the brake line, and put on my spare to get me back home. I have then taken it to a trailer repair shop to have the work done professionally. My question is would they have to repack the bearings to install new calipers on the front axle? I had the bearings repacked this spring by the same shop and did not feel it was necessary to be done again. I am picking up the boat tomorrow and wasnt sure if I should argue the additional work. Repair cost for trailer $580 still waiting for a new rim and spare tire. Oh and to make matters worse this occurred on my 50th birthdayThanks
Year model and style of axle?
Ive been in the auto repair business for over 40 years now , and even in Chicago this seems a bit pricey . — As for repacking the wheel bearings again , if the rotor wasnt damaged and didnt need to be removed , there would be no reason for it . — You also made a plural reference to ” CALIPERS ” , by which I would deduce both were replaced ?? — The next question would be why replace BOTH calipers . — You only needed one . — Hard to be critical of anyone elses work without knowing the entire scope of the repairs made , so Ill be quiet now before I stick my foot in my mouth . — Hoss
2008 Sabre ftd dual axle with pop axle option. I was talked into replacing both the right and left so they would apply evenly. I was asked if I would like the bearings repacked and I told them no because they did it in the spring. I may bite my tongue and just find another service center for future work. Since they worked on the brakes a couple of years ago I feel that they may not have torqued down the bolt correctly which caused this problem.
I have to question the need to replace both calipers. After working on brakes for many years before leaving automotive repair, that would be a hard sale for me to take.
If they are the same people that repacked your bearings in the spring then I would ask why the bolt came loose. They had to remove the caliper to repack the bearings. You cannot remove the hub/rotor without removing the caliper. Johnny
Im with TXU, theyd have a hell of a time getting any money out of me if they were the last ones to touch those bolts. If it had been a couple years, thats one thing but its only been a few months. They have to use the right high heat Lock-Tite when they reinstall those two bolts that hold the caliper (yeah, been down this road)or they can back out. They should know that if thats their business. BTW – Id hand them the bill for the new tire/rim too. On top of probably causing the problem, they are doing unnecessary work also? There was no reason to replace the other caliper IMHO and experience. I think if you calmly just start asking questions about why the bolts back out pointing out they were the last to touch them, why they did work not needed (tell them you did some research since you last talked), who is going to pay for damaged wheel/tire you are going to see that $580 charge go away or at least get greatly reduced. Since you dont intend to use them ever again anyway, why worry about how the shop reacts? If they wont make things right, let them know you will tell all your fishing buddies about what you went through. Good luck, stick up for yourself cause no one else will.This should also serve as a reminder to the rest of us to check those bolts at least once a year, they can back out over time as many of us have experienced and it is guaranteed to happen in the middle of nowhere.Brian
TXUex may be onto something.Had the same thing happen to me after installing a new caliper and rotor. Lost a tire, bent the tab on my axle, scored the inside of my wheel, scored the rotor, and put holes in my fender. A bit messy.Lack of loctite on those bolts was the culprit.Those caliper bolts come from UFP with loctite already on the threads. It is not enough to do the job.Maybe ask them if they added additional loctite when installing.
All,Thanks for the advise!! Due to your help and suggestions I was able to stand my ground and get $200 knocked off the price. Also they did not use loctite, so I had them back all 8 bolts out and install with loctite.I will also be checking the bolts at least once a year. It only takes a moment and being on the water sure beats being disabled along the road.Once again thanks for taking the time to respond.=Bob
Due to your help and suggestions I was able to stand my ground and get $200 knocked off the price. Also they did not use loctite, so I had them back all 8 bolts out and install with loctite.Excellent.
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