How to test Wheel/Brake Clearance (FM Live)

This week on FM Live, Keith Tanner talks us through Wheel and Brake clearance! Have a big brake kit and want to make sure your new wheels will fit? Thinking of getting bigger brakes and want to make sure they will clear your wheels? This video is for you!
Keith shows a few different printable brake templates and how to use them to check for clearance issues on your wheels. He also shows us a wheel template and how to use it to check for clearance with any brake kit.
Templates for all FM kits are available on the Flyin' Miata website!
Original Live video recorded 8-26-21. Join us every Thursday at 2:00 PM Mountain Time on Facebook for new LIVE content, and be sure to subscribe to our CZcams channel to see ALL our Miata videos!
Flyin' Miata is the world leader in Miata performance. We offer a wide range of parts for all years of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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[@Vo0Do0972]

Fantastic info thanks guys!

[@markfelkey1720]

What about a test template for the FM rear brake setup with a parking brake? i had clearance issues with mine because of the cable end protrusion.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

That template is available on our site.

[@S.McCall_ICNPro]

I'm trying to work out how to upgrade my 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara JT wheels and tires for offroad purposes from a 17" wheel to as small as possible to maximise sidewall height. OEM wheels range from 16in - 18in.
I'm trying to figure out if I can fit a 15in wheel by downsizing the calipers to one with the same or better performance to facilitate this but I haven't done this before and not sure how possible it is. Does anyone know whether this is an option or should I just accept that a 16in wheel is the smallest I can/should be looking for?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

We don't have any direct experience with your platform, but you'll need at least 1" of clearance between your brake calipers and your existing wheels (measured radially, ie the wheel diameter) before you can even consider it. If you have less than that, it's not going to happen.

[@bodeine454]

I'm trying to find out if Aodhan DS01 18x8.5 +35 wheels will clear the factory (big) calipers on our 2002 Lexus LS430. I messaged Aodhan wheels about it and they told me that I'll need spacers but they didn't tell me what size. I messaged back but still waiting to hear. If I had a brake caliper template I'd just print one out and check it myself.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

I have no idea about the fitment on your Lexus, but those caliper templates are pretty handy, and that is why we share them on our product description page.

[@bodeine454]

@FlyinMiataVideo I haven't been able to find any yet for stock Lexus LS430 brakes which surprises me a bit since these cars are popular among the modding community and factory brake caliper/wheel fitment issues come up I'm sure. Looks like I'll be physically attempting to mount them and use washers to figure out the clearance.
Thanks for replying.