leaky banjo bolts on front brakes ...crash

[godspeed32]

ok i have a question i have a new set of gm calipers and banjo bolts and fittings w aluminum washers , everything fits great and tight but leaks .....does the bolts that go into caliper need sealer >>>> tuff question as you would have to see in person ......is this a common problem and what is a good torque spec if any??? im putting them super tight. doesnt seem warped either

[R Pope]

Never use any kind of sealer on brake lines. Try a copper washer, I've never had much luck with the aluminum ones.

[guilld]

My son and I are building a 32 and had the same problem. I bought new bolts and I do not even know how many washers. I finally cleaned everything then put a white paper towel under the caliper and began tightening. I tightened the bolts until each time I did it I would flinch because I just knew the bolt was going to snap. I would check the towel the next day and see if they leaked. I did this for some time until they finally stopped.

[Matt167]

yep, replace with copper washers.

[Dave Severson]

Before you install, scuff the washers and the banjo fittings with 220 grit sandpaper... lay the sandpaper on a smooth, flat surface and sand the surfaces in a circular motion....

[godspeed32]

ill try the copper next time i run out to store and ill try the sanding trick as well . i would think the copper ones would seal better but also question why they would sell aluminum ones if they were this prone to leaking , but hey i bought speedway parts .....sometimes that is a shot in the dark as well ..

[Dave Severson]

Guess I've never had any problems with either!!! Check the seal surface on the caliper for burrs, too. Sometimes there is a slight burr on the surface from the threading machine.....

[Frisco]

I had a similar problem. It was caused by the fitting that the banjo bolt goes thru was contacting the caliper and not allowing the surfaces to seal. A minor trimming of the caliper at that area of contact solved the problem.

I also do not like the aluminum washers. They do not seal as well as the copper.

[C9x]

Magnum kit for Camaro disc brakes on solid axle.

Take note of the two recommended areas to grind for clearance.


I have a print for the 68-70 Mustang disc brake install as well.
In case anyone is interested.

[godspeed32]

thanks for the post , i already grinded the area for fitment of the banjo as it would have been facing a 180 deg the other way , i also purchased longer bolts as the ones provided only had half the threads that i can use so im gonna install them tonight and cross my fingys and see what happens

[allen]

Be carefull with the longer bolts. I had a mustang 2 brake kit from Speedway with the GM calipers. The bolts bottomed out against the back of the piston in the caliper. After not gitting it to seal I removed the bolts and looked though the hole. I could see where the bolt a nicked the back edge of the piston. I ground off a little bit of the bolt and that took care of the problem.