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What is the bolt on the back of the caliper called?

The bolt on the back of a caliper, also known as the caliper mounting bolt, is a crucial component that secures the caliper to the vehicle's brake system. This small but essential part plays a vital role in ensuring the proper functioning and safety of your brakes.


What is the Caliper Mounting Bolt?


The caliper mounting bolt is a threaded fastener that attaches the caliper to the vehicle's brake system, typically the brake caliper bracket or the brake caliper mounting point on the vehicle's suspension or axle. This bolt is responsible for holding the caliper in place, allowing it to apply pressure to the brake pads and effectively stop the vehicle.


Why is the Caliper Mounting Bolt Important?


The caliper mounting bolt is essential for several reasons:



  • Secure Braking: If the caliper is not properly secured, it can shift or move, causing the brake pads to not make full contact with the brake rotor. This can result in reduced braking performance, potentially leading to dangerous situations on the road.

  • Consistent Brake Pressure: The caliper mounting bolt ensures that the caliper applies even and consistent pressure to the brake pads, which is crucial for smooth, reliable braking.

  • Brake Pad Alignment: The caliper mounting bolt helps maintain the proper alignment of the brake pads within the caliper, ensuring they make full contact with the rotor for optimal braking efficiency.

  • Durability: A properly tightened caliper mounting bolt helps prevent the caliper from becoming loose or detached over time, which could lead to brake failure and potentially dangerous situations.


In summary, the caliper mounting bolt is a small but essential component that plays a vital role in the overall safety and performance of your vehicle's braking system.

What are the bolts on a brake caliper called?


A brake caliper bolt, also known as a caliper slide bolt or guide pin bolt, is a threaded fastener that attaches the brake caliper to the steering knuckle or caliper bracket.



Can I drive without a caliper bolt?


The brake caliper bolt, also known as the caliper bracket bolt or the caliper mounting bolt, secures the brake calipers to the steering knuckle brackets. It's a bad idea to drive with broken caliper bolts because they compromise your ride's ability to slow down.



What is the banjo bolt on a brake caliper?


A banjo bolt on a brake caliper is a hollow fastener that connects the brake hose to the caliper, allowing brake fluid to flow from the hose to the caliper's pistons. It has holes on the side and end that allow the fluid to pass through, and it is sealed with copper washers to create a leak-proof connection under pressure. The design allows for the brake line to be oriented at different angles, making it useful in tight spaces.
 
This video explains what banjo bolts are and how they are used in various applications, including brake systems: 48sOneMonroeYouTube · Jan 9, 2025
How it works

  • The banjo bolt passes through a fitting on the brake hose and screws into the brake caliper. 
  • Holes on the side and end of the bolt allow the brake fluid to travel from the hose, through the bolt, and into the caliper. 
  • The bolt is tightened against two crush washers, which seal the connection and prevent leaks. 
  • This design allows the brake line to be rotated to any angle before tightening, which is useful for routing the hose cleanly. 

You can watch this video to learn about how banjo bolts are used and how they work in a brake system: 58sPark ToolYouTube · Aug 20, 2024
Key features
  • Hollow core: The bolt is hollow to allow fluid to pass through it. 
  • Cross-drilled holes: Holes are drilled through the side and end to allow fluid to flow from the hose into the caliper. 
  • Sealing washers: Crush washers are used on either side of the banjo fitting to create a leak-proof seal when the bolt is tightened. 
  • 360° orientation: The banjo fitting can be rotated to any angle, which helps with hose routing in confined spaces. 



What is the bracket called that holds the caliper?


Brake calipers are held together by caliepr brackets.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.