Replacement bolts - Canada

I need to replace one of my caliper bracket bolts on a 2003 Chev Malibu base model. The Canadian dealer prices are ridiculous and I was wondering if anyone knows of a source for replacement bolts. I believe that these automotive bolts are a harder grade. I guess the first question is where would I find the specs on a particular bolt, and secondly where would I purchase one. Thanks for your assistance.

You are referring to the bolts that hold the caliper bracket to the steering knuckle, right?

You are correct in that most fasteners used on cars are made to a higher standard than those found in a regular hardware store.

I assume they are metric bolts. Here's a simple guide that shows you the relative strength of these bolts, as indicated by the numbers or marks on the bolt head:http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/steel-bolts-metric-grades-d_1428.html

Chances are, a Canadian Tire or Home Depot may have a similar high-grade bolt, in the correct size and length, from the regular stock. Brafasco has a huge range of fasteners and might be able to match it up. :http://www.brafasco.com/locations.asp

However, its more likely the original bolt has a head and/or shank that's a specific size, for your purpose. It's best to get the original bolt, either couch up the money at the dealer, or go to a wrecking yard /auto dismantlers and get a couple of these bolts off a similar Malibu
Look here:http://www.yellowpages.ca/search/si/1/Car+Wrecking+%26+Recycling/Huntsville+ON

brake caliper mounting bolts- depending on who did the work, and substitue bolts are used- and the vehicle is in an accident where braking issues are looked at- always has been advised to not modify anything in the braking system unless you are a repair business with basic liability insurance-

As a previous repair shop owner- brake mounting bolts and hardware- don't substitute- use original equipment or OEM replacement only- and as a do it yourselfer- think seriously- before you decided the correct bolts are not needed because they cost a bit

only my opinion- I had cause to have a suspected vehicle towed in to my shop that was involved in an accident where braking was a possible issue- it's something that can make one sit up and take notice-

Have you considered a mail order place for the bolts? The prices should be better than a local dealer, shipping can be quick, and you'll get an application-specific part. There are various websites that sell GM OEM parts as well as other popular sites that will sell you the correct bolt without it coming directly from a GM box.

I'm not sure if the Canadian Malibu is different from the US Malibu, but there were a ton of them on the roads around here (as well as a few cars that share the same platform) so I'm sure there will be plenty to choose from in local salvage yards as well if you need the correct part in a hurry.

-Rod

Examples -
Get the part #, than Google '' cheap Part #''
Google ''Seal by #''
Google ''bearing by part #''
Google ''Brand part #''
Google ''Image''
Smart phone Bar code reader app!

All OEM parts have specs, and all name brands make OEM parts.
The trick is getting the part # with Google Image, forums, and Auto part stores.

It's all about the brand + rubber stamp, I have seen German parts and cars that are made in USA.