Brembo GT Brake Kit: How to Check Wheel Clearance – 4-Step Guide
In short: Before you order a Brembo GT or GT-R brake system (Upgrade or Racing), you must confirm that the caliper fits inside your wheel – regardless of wheel size. What matters is the actual space to the wheel barrel and to the spokes. There must be at least 3 mm of clearance in all directions between the caliper and the wheel. We will email you the correct brake profile (1:1 cross-section drawing) for your kit.
Important before ordering: All Brembo GT/GT-R systems are custom made to order. They cannot be returned due to wheel fitment issues. Always check the fitment before you buy.
Why wheel size alone is not enough
To deliver more braking performance, a Brembo GT kit uses larger calipers and discs than the original brakes. Two wheels with the same diameter can offer very different clearance, depending on spoke design, offset (ET) and the shape of the barrel. There are two typical problems:
- Barrel clearance issue: the outer edge of the caliper touches the inside of the wheel barrel.
- Spoke clearance issue: the caliper sticks out too far and touches the back of the spokes.
If your wheels do not have enough clearance, a high-quality wheel spacer or an aftermarket wheel is often the solution.
Overview: 4 steps to a safe fitment
| Step | What to do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Request your brake profile | Email us your vehicle and the Brembo GT kit you want | PDF cross-section drawing of your kit |
| 2. Prepare the template | Print at 100 %, glue onto cardboard, cut out | Rigid 1:1 measuring template |
| 3. Prepare the wheel & measure | Remove the wheel, place the template against the mounting pad | Visible clearance to barrel and spokes |
| 4. Check tolerances | At least 3 mm of clearance in all directions | Fits – or solution with wheel spacers |
Step 1: Request your brake profile
Before you can take measurements, you need the exact technical cross-section drawing of the Brembo GT kit for your vehicle.
- Send us an email at info@racing-professionals.com.
- Include your vehicle make, model and year, and the Brembo GT brake system you are interested in.
- We will promptly email you the correct brake profile as a PDF.
Step 2: Prepare the template
- Print: Print the PDF at full scale (1:1 or 100 %, without “fit to page”). Double-check the accuracy with the ruler printed at the bottom of the drawing.
- Reinforce: Glue the printout onto cardboard before cutting. A rigid template is much easier to position inside the wheel.
- Cut: Carefully cut out the exact shape – including the caliper, the bell and the disc.
Step 3: Prepare the wheel and measure
- Remove the wheel: Take one wheel off the vehicle and place it face down, so the inner barrel and spokes are fully exposed.
- Position the template: Place the cardboard template flat inside the wheel. It must rest firmly against the wheel's mounting pad (where the wheel meets the hub).
- Alternative – manual measurement: You can also measure the clearance with a straight edge or ruler inside the wheel and compare it with the dimensions on the drawing:
| Dimension | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | Caliper depth – how far the caliper extends sideways towards the spokes |
| B | Inner clearance radius – measured from the wheel centre |
| C | Total outer radius of the caliper – measured from the wheel centre to the outermost caliper edge |
Step 4: Check tolerances – the 3 mm rule
- Inspect: Check the clearance between the template (caliper) and the wheel in all directions.
- Minimum tolerance: There must be at least 3 mm of clearance from the caliper to the wheel – both to the inner spokes and to the outer barrel. This is the absolute minimum required for installation.
- Caliper contacting the spokes? A wheel spacer can move the wheel out and away from the caliper. We recommend only high-quality, hub-centric spacers (with longer wheel bolts or studs when needed).
- Important note on spacers: Always check that the wider track still lets the tyre clear the fenders in all positions – full suspension compression and full steering lock.
Practical tips for an accurate check
- Rotate the template a full turn inside the wheel and check at several spokes – the tightest point counts.
- Watch out for balancing weights (stick-on weights) in the barrel – they reduce the space to the caliper.
- Always measure the exact wheel you will drive on (check summer and winter wheels separately).
- Not sure? Send us photos of the template inside your wheel – we will help you assess the fitment.
Download the guide as PDF
The complete guide for printing is available here:
Download PDF (English) PDF Deutsch
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will a Brembo GT brake kit fit my 18 or 19 inch wheels?
It depends on the specific wheel, not just its diameter. Spoke design, offset and barrel shape decide how much space there is. Always check the fitment with the brake profile (1:1 template) of your kit.
How much clearance is needed between the caliper and the wheel?
At least 3 mm in all directions – to the spokes and to the barrel. Less clearance is not acceptable for installation.
Where do I get the template for my Brembo GT kit?
Email us at info@racing-professionals.com with your vehicle (make, model, year) and the kit you want. We will send you the correct brake profile as a PDF to print at 1:1 scale.
What can I do if the caliper touches the spokes?
In most cases a high-quality, hub-centric wheel spacer with longer wheel bolts solves the problem. Afterwards, check that the tyre clears the fenders in all positions. If the caliper touches the barrel, only a different wheel will help.
Can I return a Brembo GT kit if it does not fit my wheels?
No. All Brembo GT/GT-R systems are custom made to order and cannot be returned due to wheel fitment issues – so always measure before ordering.
Can I measure without a template?
Yes. Measure inside the wheel with a straight edge or ruler and compare the values with dimensions A (caliper depth), B (inner clearance radius) and C (total outer radius) on the drawing. The template is still the easiest and safest method.
Questions about fitment? We are happy to help.
racing-professionals.com is operated by ATG-Racing GmbH, Münster, Germany – official Brembo Racing partner.
