Anyone Know What This Is For?

[jbcrane]

I was rotating tires this evening and this little guy fell out. He’s the only one per wheel-just screws back in with a small torx… but got me wondering what it is/what it’s for. Anyone?

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[letsassume]

brake rotor retaining screw. it basically holds the rotor in place while the caliper is off.

 

[GunnerK19]

All I can find is that it's a rotor bolt. *shrugs*

 

[jbcrane]

brake rotor retaining screw. it basically holds the rotor in place while the caliper is off.

Well, I’ve been driving around for a while with it loose enough to easily fall out. It must not be under any kind of load. Does it only serve its purpose with the brake caliper off? Rest of the time it just sits there?

 

[letsassume]

Well, I’ve been driving around for a while with it loose enough to easily fall out. It must not be under any kind of load. Does it only serve its purpose with the brake caliper off? Rest of the time it just sits there?

It’s meant for ease on assembly line. The rotor goes on before the calipers, so it makes assembly easier. You could theoretically remove them and be fine, but my OCD wouldn’t allow that. Just tighten it up and you’re good to go. Not too tight, and no thread locker, because if you ever go to replace that rotor, it’ll be a bitch and a half to remove it.

I swear it’s the most difficult part of most brake jobs

 

[CaJLMetalHead]

Well, I’ve been driving around for a while with it loose enough to easily fall out. It must not be under any kind of load. Does it only serve its purpose with the brake caliper off? Rest of the time it just sits there?

That is correct... also... don't go crazy with the torque wrench... if you strip it or sorta strip it then next time it is going to be hell to remove.. and yes... that little screw is to hold the brake disk so it does not fall on your toes.. LOL

 

[Pinion]

The rim holds everything on. I've had them on and off every one of my vehicles. Not a real critical fastener. Sometimes I wonder why they have them in the first place. On most of the used vehicles I've owned, I find them corroded to the rotor and are a bitch to get off.

 

[jbcrane]

Thanks guys. Figured it wasn’t anything structural. I’m coming due for brakes eventually and have never done them before. I’ll be asking a lot of stupid questions when the time comes. Committed to doing as much of my own service as possible.

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