what do you guys think if gone unoticed (like it almost was) could this have been a disaster? could it come apart or lock up at an unconvieniant time (say like at speed on the highway) and cause a accident? any thoughts appreciated.
Could have been. You more than likely took it apart because of a scrapping/grinding noise you were hearing, evidence of the rust line on the rotor. Good thing you took it apart to investigate. Now find the right thin headed hardened bolt & the shield that has the locking tabs in place to keep the bolt from doing exactly what it did. You must have heard a noise at some point that must have went away or a real loud thump or a jump in the car. How's the inside of the rotor?? It is probably all grooved up & will need to be replaced also. Better you find out now than on a long trip, to Salem??? Don't need any more disasters for the Mass. boys. This year it will be layin' back & takin' it easy instead of wrenchin'.
actually i haven't driven it yet. i bought it and have been going through stuff. i just noticed it. thanks for the reply.
Backing Plates 1-A OR ITS A-1 Automotive sells those disc brake backing plates new, with the tabs to help ensure the bolt wont back out when tabs are bent over the bolt head. You can find then on Ebay :{Buy it now}. I think mine were $35.00 for a set {2}. Perfect fit :TU: And also ive seen that before.lucky you found it , could cause wheel lock up if it moved up and hit the Rim. Would forsure grind up some parts.
LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE FORGOT TO PUT THAT BOLT IN :af: ? THA BOLT WONT COME OUT OR GO IN WITH OUT THE ROTOR BEING OFF.GOOD THING YOU NOTICE IT :TU: COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD .
I am sorry but I am correct .air is lighter than fluid and will rise to the top to the bleeder I have done brakes for the last 20 years to these cars.Go out and take a look on you buick there also marked left and right .I will bet the farm on it.
I know how you feel Johnny I know how you feel! :af: I sold my 12 bolt posi out of a 68 cutlass I had, the guy who bought it traded me cash and another rear, as well as did the swap. After I picked the car up I was driving home on the highway when the rear shock hit the ground, there were sparks everywhere, if that had caught the tire I probably would have rolled the car. Then later I had a problem with my rear brakes sticking on overheating them and toasting my drums/shoes. I sold the car before the problem was fixed. Dave the brake man can you shed some light on my brake problem.
A lock tab is broken off the backing plate. It will require a new one probably for both sides. www.opgi.com and others for the repros. Torque the new bolt to 95 ft lbs. and reset the new tabs. I would be checking the torque on the suspension hardware in general after seeing that. I torque my own per the assembly manual and double check them.
