Question on bolt size for front caliber on a 2000 Explorer Sport (4x4, automatic)
I recently purchased a 2000 Explorer Sport (4x4, automatic) with 29K from a dealer. As part of the inspection they replaced the front brake pads. Less than 2K miles later I lost one of the bolts that holds the caliber on, plus one of the larger bolts that hold the assembly to the wheel (not exactly sure how to describe this part) and the 2nd bolt was lose. Anyway, the local Ford dealer had the larger bolt, but neither has nor can order the smaller bolt that holds the caliber on without ordering some larger kit that costs $40+. So the dealer sent me off to the local hardware where I was able to get a bolt that had the same threads; however, it was a metric size. So my first question = are the bolts on a 2000 Explorer metric? And second question = where can I find a replacement bolt. I would feel better knowing that I had the correct bolt, plus I am not sure how the bolt from the hardware will hold up in the weather over time, e.g. rusting. Thanks in advance for your help and information.

Question on bolt size for front caliber on a 2000 Explorer Sport (4x4, automatic)
I recently purchased a 2000 Explorer Sport (4x4, automatic) with 29K from a dealer. As part of the inspection they replaced the front brake pads. Less than 2K miles later I lost one of the bolts that holds the caliber on, plus one of the larger bolts that hold the assembly to the wheel (not exactly sure how to describe this part) and the 2nd bolt was lose. Anyway, the local Ford dealer had the larger bolt, but neither has nor can order the smaller bolt that holds the caliber on without ordering some larger kit that costs $40+. So the dealer sent me off to the local hardware where I was able to get a bolt that had the same threads; however, it was a metric size. So my first question = are the bolts on a 2000 Explorer metric? And second question = where can I find a replacement bolt. I would feel better knowing that I had the correct bolt, plus I am not sure how the bolt from the hardware will hold up in the weather over time, e.g. rusting. Thanks in advance for your help and information.

Welcome to the site.. If you have another car, take off the other caliper bolt and take it with you to Home Depot or Lowes or your local hardware store. Most places have a reference aid to determine the bolt size & thread type.

I can't remember off the top of my head if it's metric or not but i THINK it is. if you get one from the hardware store get grade 8 hardware you should never have any problems out of it....have you thought about taking the other caliper bolt out and going to the hardware store and getting an exact match. If youve got a Russell hardware store in your area, thats the place to go they have all kinds of specialty bolts and grade 8 stuff. 14 mm seems to ring a bell for some reason....its worth an 80 cent try

hope this helps some... if i get the urge this afternoon to pull off one of my tires i'll get the exact bolt size for you.

Thanks guys - I did remove the 2nd bolt when I went to the hardware - and thats how they matched threads & size - however, I was not expecting a metric bolt - but maybe Ford is using metric now? - and I am not sure whether the bolt will hold up outside, especially under the vehicle - what is a grade 8 bolt?

Thanks guys - I did remove the 2nd bolt when I went to the hardware - and thats how they matched threads & size - however, I was not expecting a metric bolt - but maybe Ford is using metric now? - and I am not sure whether the bolt will hold up outside, especially under the vehicle - what is a grade 8 bolt?

grade 8 is the tensile strength of the bolt. Grade 8 bolts have 5 marks in the head of the bolt. Metric bolts are marked 8.8, 9.8, 10.9 respectively in the automotive market.. 8.8 being the weakest of the three & 10.9 being the strongest.

Even though our trucks are american, 95% of the bolts on them are indeed metric threads, and take a metric wrench to turn.

The only place I've found SAE-bolts on my truck is in random, small parts, or the V8 engine block itself, which dates back to the 1960s :confused: