Hi,
I'm planning to change the brake pads and rotors on my wife's civic. When I took a look at them and removed the caliper sub-assembly, I had a tough time replacing the bolts. I had to use a wrench to hold the pins. Anyone know what size wrench is needed (I was using an adjustable wrench at the time). Also, it seems like the bolts were over torqued, so I plan to replace them and the pins.
Is it normal to have to hold the pins in place with a wrench while removing or screwing in the bolt? Thanks.

 

You are referring to the caliper slider pins. I have never had to hold them with any tool while torquing the caliper bolts. The caliper frame shouldn't need to be removed if you are changing the pads and such. Just pull one caliper bolt and hinge the caliper up on the other bolt ( loosened a little of course).

Over torqued bolts are not cool. I would consider replacing them as the threads might have stretched a little.

Have they been lubricated to allow the caliper to slide easily?