Is a damaged BB7 inner caliper pin dangerous? It was late when I tried installing some replacement brake pads, and for some reason the top of the replacement pads wouldn't fit properly into the channel that is supposed to guide the pads (lower picture). I didn't realize the pads were sitting too low after insertion due to an awkward angle and tiredness (and general incompetence). As result when I squeezed the brake lever the pin got squashed (first picture below).  

Question

Does this damaged pin warrant replacement?  If so can this part be replace or does the entire caliper need to be replaced?

I assume brake force is not transmitted through the pin, as it is soft material, but I am not a brake designer so I am not certain.  Once I figured out the pads were not seating correctly, I knocked them in place with a rubber mallet and ran the brake.  Braking doesn't seem to be affected.



Side Note

Here is the channel that the top of the brake pads are supposed to fit
I think the only purpose of the pin is to retain the pad. So if you can convince yourself that the damaged pin isn't preventing the pad from sitting cleanly agains the "piston" and that it is prevented from dropping out, then I would be inclined to think you're ok.

I've seen instructions for rebuilding BB-7 calipers, which makes me think that parts might be available – at least in some markets. The SRAM/Avid number for the "internals kit" is A150080A and they appear to be available, I found links to the kit at shops in the UK, in the US Amazon lists the item, but doesn't have stock. In any case a whole new brake assembly isn't too expensive (considering that you get a set of pads and a disk as part of the deal), so if you have any doubts I'd just go ahead and replace the caliper (or see if you can get parts).