What size are caliper mounting bolts?
Caliper mounting bolts are the critical fasteners that secure your vehicle's brake calipers to the suspension or brake system. The size of these bolts can vary depending on the make, model, and year of your car. In this article, we'll provide a detailed overview of the typical caliper mounting bolt sizes to help you ensure a proper and secure installation.
Standard Caliper Mounting Bolt Sizes
The most common caliper mounting bolt sizes are M10 and M12, with the M10 being the more prevalent size. These metric bolt sizes refer to the diameter of the bolt, with M10 being 10mm and M12 being 12mm. The length of the bolts can also vary, typically ranging from 30mm to 60mm, depending on the specific application.
It's important to note that the bolt size may also depend on the type of brake system in your vehicle. For example, some high-performance or heavy-duty vehicles may use larger M14 or M16 caliper mounting bolts to handle the increased braking forces.
Determining the Correct Bolt Size
To determine the correct caliper mounting bolt size for your vehicle, you can refer to the following steps:
- Check your vehicle's service manual or owner's manual for the specific bolt size recommended by the manufacturer.
- Measure the existing bolts on your vehicle to get the diameter and length.
- Consult an automotive parts store or a trusted mechanic to ensure you get the right replacement bolts.
It's crucial to use the correct bolt size to ensure a secure and safe installation. Using the wrong size bolts can lead to caliper misalignment, brake system failure, and potentially dangerous driving conditions.
Torque Specifications
In addition to the bolt size, it's also important to follow the proper torque specifications when tightening the caliper mounting bolts. The recommended torque values can typically be found in your vehicle's service manual or on the brake system components themselves.
Overtightening or undertightening the bolts can cause issues, so it's essential to use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure a proper and secure installation.
By understanding the standard caliper mounting bolt sizes and following the proper installation procedures, you can help maintain the safety and performance of your vehicle's braking system.
What size socket for brake caliper bolts?
The socket size for brake caliper bolts varies by vehicle, but common metric sizes are 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm, and 18mm. Caliper bracket bolts can also be a different size, such as 18mm or 19mm, and some cars use specialty sockets like Allen (hex), Torx, or 10-point sockets. Always check your vehicle's service manual for the exact size.
This video demonstrates how to locate and remove caliper bolts: 56sExpertVillage Leaf GroupYouTube · May 9, 2007
Common socket sizes
- Caliper mounting bolts: Common sizes include 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm, or 18mm.
- Caliper bracket bolts: These are often larger and can be 18mm or 19mm.
- Specialty bolts: Some calipers use different bolt types, including:
- Allen (hex): Common sizes like 7mm or 8mm are used, especially on European cars.
- Torx: Less common, but some vehicles use Torx bits.
- 10-point: Found on some specific models.
This video shows how to replace brake calipers and the associated bolts: 55sTRQYouTube · Apr 3, 2025
How to determine the correct size
- Check your owner's manual: This is the most reliable way to find the exact size for your vehicle.
- Visually inspect the bolt head: Look to see if it's a standard 6-point socket, an Allen head, a Torx, or a 10-point bolt.
- Use a socket set to test: If you're unsure, try a few common metric sizes. Be careful not to strip the bolt if the size is incorrect.
You can watch this video to see how to replace brake caliper mounting bolts: 56sTRQYouTube · Jul 19, 2022
Are caliper mounting bolts universal?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) caliper bolts are designed to fit your vehicle's exact specifications, and using anything other than the correct bolts can compromise the integrity of the brake system.
What are caliper bracket bolts?
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. It holds the caliper in place while still allowing it to slide laterally as the brake pads engage and disengage with the rotor.
What size are brake caliper mounting bolts?
Product Details
| Length | 47.6 |
|---|---|
| Thread Type | Metric |
| Thread Size | M14-2.0 |
| Number of Bolts | 2 |
| Head Size (MM) | 18 |
