Hope someone can help me out. I'm going to replace the front brake pads and rotors on my 2001 Windstar fairly soon (rotors are warped at 31,000 miles). According to the Ford factory service manual, the bolts that hold the brake caliper anchor to the steering knuckle need to be replaced with new ones once I take them off. This isn't mentioned in either the Hayne's or Chilton's manuals that I have, nor have I done this to other vehicles before. Other than telling me "because Ford says so", any good reason why I need to get new ones? They're about $4.00 a piece from the dealer (I need 4) which isn't a big deal, except I have never heard of replacing these bolts before. Thanks for the advice. Tom K.

mine is a 95 and i've done pads and rotors several times- the bolts you mention may be different on yours but what comes to mind is the the change in exposure on the bolts surface due to wear on the pads- the calipers move. I hav not needed to replace mine but I coat the bolts with something other than w2 and thoroughly clean them each time.

I think the bolts Thomas is dealing with are those that hold the caliper bracket to the strut, not the slide bolts that hold the caliper to the bracket?   I've done the rotors on our 1996 Windstar twice, each time reusing the bracket bolts.  I don't have the factory manual, just the Haynes.  It would be interesting to see if the early Windstar factory manuals call for bolt replacement too.  Anyone have one?   Try comparing the torque specs from your factory manual to those in the Haynes.  I think the Haynes only covers through 1998 vehicles?  If the torque spec is way different, then maybe the new bolts are special.  You could also check at your dealer to see if they spec different bolts for your 2001 than for a 1998 or earlier.  That might be a clue too.   I know what you mean - I'd rather know why than just be told Ford says so.  But keep in mind that Haynes manuals often have errors, and then think about the consequences of a bolt failure.  I'd probably change them.  Make sure you get some quality rotors (NAPA, Ford, etc.), and don't settle for the cheap ($25) specials, or you'll be warped and doing this job again very soon (voice of experience).  Come to think of it, the NAPA guys may know about the bolts too.   Hope this helps.   Mark Salvetti 1996 Windstar 3.0L 2001 Ford F150 4.2L V6/5-spd

Yes- those are the bolts I'm talking about. Ford specifies 85 ft/lbs and the Hayne's says 65 to 87 ft/lbs. I ordered Raybestos pads and rotors from a local parts chain. The only reason I can figure out is that the replacement bolts from the Ford dealer come with thread sealant/ loctite on the threads. Maybe Ford is concerned with DIY's and other shops not using loctite on the threads before reinstalling them. I got the bolts anyways from the dealer just to be safe. Oh, and the Hayne's manual I have covers 95-2001 models, while the Chilton's only covers 95-98 (I had a 96 at one time). Thanks for the feedback. Tom K.