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What size is the brake caliper bolt on a Toyota pickup?

The caliper mounting bolts on most Toyota pickups use a 14mm socket (head) and are typically M12x1.75 in thread, about 25–28 mm long. However, exact sizes can vary by model year and brake configuration, so always verify with your specific truck’s service manual or by measuring the bolt directly.


Brake hardware can differ between generations and market variants, especially between classic pickup designs and newer Tacomas. This article outlines the typical sizes you’re likely to encounter and how to confirm them for your exact vehicle.


Brake caliper bolt sizes by generation


Before listing the common sizes, note that variations can exist between markets and trim levels. The following reflect the front caliper mounting bolts used on most Toyota pickups (the two bolts that attach the caliper to the bracket).



  • First-generation Toyota Pickup/Hilux (1984–1995): Caliper mounting bolts typically require a 14 mm socket; bolts are M12x1.75, about 25–28 mm long.

  • Second-generation Toyota Pickup/Hilux (1995–2004): Caliper mounting bolts typically require a 14 mm socket; bolts are M12x1.75, about 25–28 mm long.

  • Toyota Tacoma (2005–present) and related markets: Caliper mounting bolts typically require a 14 mm socket; bolts are M12x1.75, about 25–28 mm long.


These specifications cover the typical front brake caliper mounting bolts across generations; always check your exact year and model to be sure, since minor variations can occur by market or brake option.


How to verify for your exact truck


When in doubt, confirm with the official service information for your vehicle. The following steps help ensure you’re using the correct bolt size for your specific truck.



  • Consult the factory service manual or an OEM repair guide for your exact year and model to confirm bolt size and thread pitch.

  • Measure the bolt head with a socket gauge and the bolt shank with calipers if the manual isn’t available—note the head size (14 mm is common) and the thread diameter (often ~12 mm for M12 bolts).

  • Check the original bolts you remove from the caliper; if they’re still installed, compare head size and length to standard sizes to determine equivalence.


Following these steps helps ensure you use the correct bolts, preserving brake performance and safety across your Toyota pickup’s braking system.


Summary


For most Toyota pickups, the brake caliper mounting bolts are 14 mm in head size and use M12x1.75 threads, typically 25–28 mm long. While this covers the majority of models from the 1980s through modern Tacomas, always verify against your specific year, market, and brake configuration to avoid mistakes. When in doubt, consult the service manual or a dealer for confirmation.

What size are the bolts on a Tacoma brake caliper?


The Toyota Tacoma uses M12 x 1.25 brake caliper bolts for most models, but it's crucial to confirm your specific year, as some use different sizes. The front caliper bracket mounting bolts are often M12 x 1.25, while the bolts for the brake line bracket and the caliper pins can be M10.
 
Toyota Tacoma brake caliper bolt sizes

  • Front brake caliper mounting bolts: Typically M12 x 1.25. Some parts listings also mention a length of 21mm, 29.5mm, or 30mm, which refers to the length of the bolt itself. 
  • Brake line bracket bolts: For the brake line bracket, a 10mm socket is often used to remove the bolt, and the bolt itself is smaller than the caliper mounting bolts. 
  • Caliper pin bolts: A 10mm socket is used to remove the bolts that hold the caliper pins in place. 
  • Brake line fitting: The brake line fitting uses a 17mm socket, not the caliper bolt. 
  • Wheel lug nuts: The wheels are held on by 21mm lug nuts. 

How to confirm the correct bolt size
  1. Check your owner's manual: It may list the correct bolt size and torque specifications. 
  2. Identify your vehicle's year and model: Look for a parts listing online or at an auto parts store that matches your specific vehicle.
  3. Use a thread gauge or caliper: If you have the old bolts, use a thread gauge or a caliper to measure the diameter and pitch of the threads. 

Important note
  • Always double-check the bolt size before ordering new parts.
  • Be sure to check the length of the bolt, as it may vary between models and years.
  • Some parts listings may use different terminology, so it's important to understand what you are looking for before you buy.



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
  1. Check your owner's manual: This is the most reliable way to find the exact size for your vehicle. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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



What size are the caliper bolts on a 2013 Toyota Tundra?


M12 x 1.25 x 30 mm.



What size are brake caliper mounting bolts?


The size of a brake caliper bracket bolt varies significantly by vehicle, so there is no single standard size. Common sizes include Metric (M12, M14, M16) and SAE (1/2 inch) options, with specific measurements like M12-1.5, M14-2.0, or 1/2-20, and different lengths. It is crucial to identify the correct size for your specific make and model to ensure a safe and proper fit. 
To find the correct size for your vehicle

  • Check your vehicle's service manual: This is the most reliable source for the correct specifications for your car. 
  • Measure your existing bolts: You can measure the diameter and thread pitch of the old bolts. 
  • Search online using your vehicle's information: Use your year, make, model, and specific brake component (e.g., "2018 Ford F-150 front brake caliper bracket bolt size"). 
  • Purchase a kit or replacement bolt from an auto parts store: Many auto parts stores, like O'Reilly Auto Parts, sell replacement bolts or kits where you can specify your vehicle's details to find a match. 

Common examples
  • M12-1.25: This is a common thread size for some vehicles. 
  • M14-2.0: Used on some larger trucks or SUVs. 
  • M16-2.0: Another size that might be found on heavy-duty applications. 
  • 1/2 inch: SAE size commonly found on American vehicles, sometimes with a 1/2-20 thread pitch. 


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.