How Much Caliper Clearance Do I need?
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Pro
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How Much Caliper Clearance Do I need?
Took my wheels off to drop the front end and intall 275/60-15's on the rear and discovered the previous owner not only had 1/2" spacers but also installed "lug washers" behind the spacers for added caliper clearance.. After removing just the "lug washers" I have about 1/8" clearance now from my Crager spokes to the caliper.. How much is safe and accounting for any flex?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Halifax, NS, Canada
Brake calipers do not need a lot of clearance, 1/8" is good 
Some brake experts recommend 3 mm between wheel and caliper and that is darn close to 1/8". I know I am running less than an 1/8" with my new Wilwood calipers and my factory aluminum wheels.
Some brake experts recommend 3 mm between wheel and caliper and that is darn close to 1/8". I know I am running less than an 1/8" with my new Wilwood calipers and my factory aluminum wheels.
Last edited by Binnie77; Apr 17, 2009 at 03:09 PM.
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Supporting Vendor
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From: tempe Arizona
Depending upon the amount of caliper flex, bracket flex, hub flex and wheel flex....all of which does take place, I'd say a min clearance would be perhaps in the .060-.080" range. And don't assume all your wheels are the same if you rotate them.
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Thanks again!!
Le Mans Master
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
IMHO, that's right on the money, Todd.
