Brake caliper part

[oldyam80sg]

On my 1980 SG the brake caliper has a metal clip that is in the center. Is that necessary and what does it do? The reason I ask is the pads sit above that. Is that normal? Shouldn't the pads sit kind of flat? I examined the caliper today and no crud at all. The other caliper has a bent bolt that is kind of hard to remove.

[Bonz]

The clip sits in the center of the caliper, with the pads resting in it or on it? Like it's a spring-loaded clip that would put tension on the end of the pads?

[oldyam80sg]

Ok the one caliper is definitely not dragging but have to work on the other caliper as I think I have a bent bolt if that's possible.

[Bonz]

Interesting...

[bikerphil]

It's an easy to find bolt replacement at a hardware store, get the hardened 10.9 version, it won't bend as easily. This is somewhat of a common problem on the Special's 'Weird Harold' calipers.
The spring clip when properly installed should keep the pads from rattling.

Bolt size should be M8X1.25X90

[Bonz]

Agree it puts pads under tension and keeps them from rattling around. The way it was described I wanted to confirm. But there's only one spring clip.

[DEEBS11]

I can't run that caliper pad screw with my 15 inch rear wheel because there is no access (not even through the cut-outs of the Centerline rim). Over 10,000 miles with no issues. But I would use the screw if I could.

[oldyam80sg]

I think I have the bolt in my Yamaha parts box along with other new items I bought years ago. Bike Bandit was my go to parts place. Now E -bay is good to find parts. I'm going to put some Kroil on the bolt and let it sit. Also I was using a 3/8 ratchet with a flex head and will get my other ratchet at my Moms house. Its raining all day in N.J. so not much will be done today on the bike.

[Bonz]

Are you able to see the bolt is physically bent? Could it have been cross-threaded?