Thread: Crush my Banjo

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I am slowly looking over my stainless brakeline kit and yesterday I got the last adapters for AN-3 (3/16") to standard pipe threads. My question has to do with the front disk brakes which are mid-size GM caliphers on Dodge rotors from a TCI "Econo" kit. The fittings use a banjo ring threaded into the caliphers with a bolt with a "juice hole". As I see it you are supposed to put aluminum washers on either side of the banjo and "crush" them for a seal by tightening the bolt. I don't like this design and worry if it will leak later so I want to really crush the washers, BUT (!) I don't want to strip the threads, sooo does anyone know what torque I should use on the bolt or have the GM manual for mid-80s GM brakes that tell the torque? So far I have not found the torque setting in any manuals I have.

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder

Originally posted by Don Shillady
I don't want to strip the threads, sooo does anyone know what torque I should use on the bolt or have the GM manual for mid-80s GM brakes that tell the torque?

Try this:

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0307_baer2/

"...and then install the Teflon-lined braided flex hoses. The flex hoses thread onto the adapter fitings on the axletube and mate to the calipers using banjo-type fittings. Make sure to use a copper crush washer (included) on each side of the banjo fitting and torque to 15-20 lb-ft; over-tightening will break the fitting bolts."

j*b, Thanks, I found the quote in the caption. The washers I have look like aluminum, I got them from Speedway so I will check about the copper washers.

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder

Aluminum washers are better, they're softer. I remember torquing the banjo fittings on my dirtbike's brake line to 19 ft lbs. They have are 8mm which equates to 5/16". Just throwing out some numbers that you may or may not be able to work with. It used copper washers, too. Leaks are not a problem.