Caliper Banjo Question

[MADGT]

Team,

Issue: Front Caliper Banjo Bolts appear to move slightly when steering wheels left or right -- is this normal?

Background: Replaced brake lines with Stainless Steel one. New hardware, banjos, crush washer etc. installed and torqued to specs, no leaks.

However, with the vehicle front tires off and vehicle running, I asked a buddy to turn (steer) slowly left or right to full lock. Upon watching the caliper turn, I noticed an ever so sligtly movement of the banjo, not the bolt that hold the banjo, but the banjo itselt. The banjo movements appears to be lateral and accommodating as the caliper moved (yellow arrow on the pic). Is this normal?

 

[07 Boss]

I've never observed that before but what I do know is that some are made to swivel. Ours are not though and should remain in a fixed position as far as I know. I'm assuming you torqued them properly but I might orient the fitting to the central most position or even favor the position when the wheels are straight and give it a bit more torque than specified. Keep tightening until it doesn't move and check for leaks. I wouldn't be afraid of going too tight as the only thing you might screw up are the washers.

 

[rocknrod]

Can't really tell but is the metal part of the brake hose hitting the caliper here? That would not allow it to be tightened properly. Sometimes aftermarket brake lines are made "almost" correctly.

 

[MADGT]

Yes, good observation. That was my error, which I corrected. I had misaligned the bolt/line which made contact with the caliper per se. Not anymore. I have ordered new crush washers and will re-torque again. I suspect this is more operator-error (aka...me) than anything else.

 

[Samos3]

Are those crush washers or just copper washers? If they are just copper, and relatively unscored, you can soften them (anneal) with a propane torch. Heat them up on both sides until they change color (they get get 'lighter', you'll know it when you see it). Let them cool before touching!

 

[MADGT]

actually, the are copper washers...I already ordered new ones to take care of this this coming week.

 

[MasterofDisaster]

Are those PowerStop hoses? PowerStop was forced to recall many of its braided stainless steel hoses. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24E053-4735.PDF

 

[MADGT]

These are new hoses that replaced the PowerStop hoses I previously had and had to get rid off due to the recall. These are from https://buystifflers.com/

I also received the recall the notification which I shared with the forums on Aug 21, 2024 and on this post: https://www.s197forum.com/threads/powerstop-recall-brake-hoses.143550/#post-2562868

 

[MADGT]

MasterOfDisater....you posted a post back in 2021 (below) that I failed to read...to not torque the new Banjo Bolt past 20 Ft-Lbs....well, I did not know and I did not follow that advice and SNAP! Bolts over torqued, snapped in two....you are so right, the Ford OEM Banjo bolt is more robust than the one I got with my new set (which was similar to the PowerStop one I replaced)....the OEM Banjo Bolt torque specs is 52 Ft-Lbs, the new one is no more than 13 Ft-Lbs. Search function is your friend....I am now awaiting new banjo bolts.....

PowerStop BH00115 braided stainless steel brake hoses

For Heaven's sake, don't torque the banjo bolts past 20lbft. I recently installed PowerStop braided stainless steel brake hoses. Installation is easy. Start with the right rear wheel. Use a 13mm socket to remove the banjo bolt. Discard the bolt and washers. Disconnect the stock hose from...

www.s197forum.com

 

[MasterofDisaster]

I also received the recall the notification which I shared with the forums on Aug 21, 2024

I didn't make the connection. Sorry. I was just alarmed to see the red hoses. The Steedas are blue. Most of the rest were more or less chrome.

BTW- THANKS! You may have save some lives by posting back in August.

 

[MasterofDisaster]

I am now awaiting new banjo bolts.

Sorry to hear about the lame banjo bolts. I was shocked when mine snapped.

I tried using the OEM bolts, but they locked up the rear brakes b/c they're longer than necessary for the new lines.

Best of luck w/ the Stifflers. Thanks for posting that too. Always nice to have another supplier available.

 

[MADGT]

Yup, no issues with the Stifflers, got some replacement bolts from them...and I just finished the line replacement project. All is good.

 

[Autokyrios]

If you messed up the bolt, make sure to toss the copper washers and put in new ones. They're not meant for re-use as they literally deform to the defects on first use and afterwards are pretty much a leak waiting to happen.
As for moving...No, can't say they should be moving. The line should come to a part bolted to the spindle that should keep any torsional stresses from trying to turn the bolt. I believe the ability to rotate the fitting is purely for getting the right alignment of the line when installing, and after tightening shouldn't move.

 

[MADGT]

If you messed up the bolt, make sure to toss the copper washers and put in new ones. They're not meant for re-use as they literally deform to the defects on first use and afterwards are pretty much a leak waiting to happen.
As for moving...No, can't say they should be moving. The line should come to a part bolted to the spindle that should keep any torsional stresses from trying to turn the bolt. I believe the ability to rotate the fitting is purely for getting the right alignment

You are absolutely correct. I installed new bolts and new washers, torqued to the right specs this time. Nothing moves. All is tight.