Brake caliper mounting

[Lancer83]

I am currently putting together the brake and wheel assemblies. I am not happy with the brake mounting setup. The bolts are in a tight area where only open end wrenches can be used. Even then, they have to be used at an odd angle. So much for proper torque. I am also finding that the brake caliper plate disorts when the bolts are tightened. This causes the caliper pins to bind and not slide freely. No wonder I have read stories about brakes dragging and uneven pad wear!
Mike Hardison
Ramona CA

[Raymo]

Mike,

Which model RV and which brakes?

I went with the Grove brake and wheel setup on my -7A and saw no issues but the instructions/drawings were a bit vague. Luckily there are two -8s in the same hangar with the same setup.

[Lancer83]

RV-7 With the Matco Brakes from Vans.

Mike

[rightrudder]

Originally Posted by Lancer83

I am currently putting together the brake and wheel assemblies. I am not happy with the brake mounting setup. The bolts are in a tight area where only open end wrenches can be used. Even then, they have to be used at an odd angle. So much for proper torque. I am also finding that the brake caliper plate disorts when the bolts are tightened. This causes the caliper pins to bind and not slide freely. No wonder I have read stories about brakes dragging and uneven pad wear!
Mike Hardison
Ramona CA

Hi Mike,

Yup, sometimes you just can't put a torque wrench on a fastener because of limited clearance. So apply proper torque to a like-sized fastener elsewhere, put an open-end wrench on it to establish "feel" for what proper torque is, and apply that to the renegade fastener.

Can't speak to the distortion problem...mine cranked down nice and straight.

[gasman]

Thee caliper pins shouls always slide free. Go back and do the install over..... You did something wrong.

[bruceh]

I had to trim the wheel pant bracket to clear the Matco calipers.

Before:


After:

[Lancer83]

Thanks,
I had already modified the wheel pant bracket. After mounting and dismounting the assembly four times the caliper now slides freely.