[Eric10905]

This is just an fyi story of caution. For those who do their own brakes, or even if you take them somewhere to have it done. Don’t make the same mistake I did.

It’s apparently easier than I would have thought to damage the seat. I did and now will be replacing a caliper since it has developed a small leak. ;-(

The rest of the story: When I bleed brakes, change the fluid, etc, I use an ignition wrench for loosening/tightening the bleed valve. Since this has happened, I measured the dang thing: < 3” from the center of rotation to the end. I can get two fingers onto it.

Anyhow, so after I bleed each valve location, I close it with this ignition wrench and tightened. I don’t throw my body weight into or give it ugg-a’s or anything. At least I never thought I have. Tried to figure out how much torque could I have inadvertently applied. I think 50 lbs of force would be a lot to put on this wrench with two fingers. And even if I applied at the end of the wrench (I can’t), that’s 150 in lbs, or 12.5 ft lbs. Not sure at what torque it will damage those seats either. But I managed to do that. Apparently I don’t know my own strength. Or stupidity.

I’ve never used my in-lb torque wrench when doing this (obviously). But can guarantee I will be going forward.

As a side note, it was a front passenger one, and I have the Zl1 1LE brakes up all around. MSRP for a new one was a spot over $1k. Most of the GM parts sites online had it listed for between $620 -$700. (One had it for $440, but didn’t order from there, different story). I found it on Amazon for $516, delivered in 4 days. I was surprised. Pays to shop around i guess. Received it Saturday and it's the right part, new, and looks good. However, as I write this, I noticed now they have increased the price to $668. (They still show the front driver side 172-2819/84229190 for $293…)

Keep it on the black stuff (and don't over tighten small fittings).