Check Brake Calipers for Replacement or Repair

by: Brad Wall - 30/12/2024

Your car’s braking system is complex and essential for your safety on the road. While many vehicle owners focus on inspecting brake pads and rotors, the brake calipers are often overlooked. However, the brake calipers are crucial for the effective operation of your brakes. In this blog, we’ll explain why it’s important to check your brake calipers, when to inspect them, and when it’s time to repair or replace them.

What Are Brake Calipers and Their Functions?

Brake calipers are a vital component of the braking system, especially in vehicles with disc brakes. They play several key roles in ensuring safe and effective braking:

Brake Fluid Management: Calipers are integral to hydraulic brake systems, transferring the hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder to the brake pads, ensuring the force applied to the brake pedal is effectively transmitted to the braking components.

Clamping Action: The calipers house and move the brake pads. When you press the brake pedal, the pistons in the calipers push the pads against the brake rotor (disc), creating friction that slows and stops the vehicle.

Brake Pad Control: Calipers maintain even contact between the brake pads and the rotor, ensuring smooth and predictable braking performance.

Heat Dissipation: Calipers help manage the intense heat generated during braking, preventing overheating of the brake pads and rotor, which could otherwise lead to brake fade and reduced braking performance.

When Should You Check the Brake Calipers?

Here are some situations when you should inspect your brake calipers:

When Replacing Brake Pads: It’s always a good idea to inspect the calipers for wear or damage whenever you replace your brake pads.

During Rotor Replacement: If you're replacing your rotors, inspect the calipers for potential issues.

When Brake Fluid Leaks: Any signs of brake fluid leakage around the caliper area indicate a problem that needs immediate attention.

When You Notice Reduced Stopping Power: If you experience reduced braking power, noise, uneven braking, or other unusual behavior, it’s important to check the calipers for potential issues.

Regular Maintenance: As part of your routine maintenance schedule, calipers should be checked every 6 to 12 months to ensure they are in good working condition.

When Should You Replace Brake Calipers?

Although brake calipers don’t need to be replaced regularly, certain conditions make replacement necessary. Here’s when you should consider replacing your calipers:

Brake Fluid Leaks: If you notice brake fluid leaking around the caliper or a drop in fluid levels in the master cylinder reservoir, this is a serious issue. Leaking brake fluid often indicates failed seals, which means the calipers need to be replaced.

Corrosion or Physical Damage: Severe corrosion, cracks, or other physical damage to the caliper can compromise its structural integrity. If you spot significant rust or any other type of damage, it’s time to replace the caliper.

Sticking or Seized Calipers: A stuck or seized caliper can cause dragging or uneven braking. You might notice that one wheel is noticeably hotter than the others. If this happens, the caliper should be replaced.

High Mileage and Age:Although brake calipers are designed to last a long time, they can wear out after years of use and high mileage. If you're performing a major brake system overhaul or feel your calipers may be near the end of their lifespan, replacing them as a precautionary measure is a good idea.

Conclusion

Brake calipers are essential for your vehicle's braking system. If they are damaged or malfunctioning, it can compromise your vehicle’s ability to stop safely and efficiently. Regular inspection and timely replacement of worn or damaged calipers are crucial for maintaining reliable and safe braking performance.

If you need high-quality used engines and transmissions, Thrifty Engines is here to help. We offer top-quality products and services to ensure your vehicle keeps running smoothly. For more information, or if you need assistance, call us at 1888-583-3482 or visit our website.