Brake Calipers

Brake Caliper Replacement

Brake calipers play a vital role in your vehicle’s braking system, and wear and tear can sometimes necessitate Brake caliper replacement. The calipers squeeze the brake pads against the brake rotor to slow or stop the vehicle. When you step on the brake, brake fluid from the master cylinder generates hydraulic pressure on one or more pistons in the caliper, pushing the pads against the rotor.

Fortunately, you won’t need caliper replacement very often. However, when calipers require replacement, watch for these warning signs. A sticking caliper can cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking. If a caliper seizes completely, it can lead to serious damage to the rotor and other braking components, significantly increasing service costs.

At Precision Auto Service, we often find that brake calipers need lubrication on their mounting pins. Heat from the brakes, along with exposure to water and road debris, can cause the calipers to bind and prevent them from sliding on their pins as intended. A simple cleaning and greasing usually restore caliper function in many cases. While most shops skip these straightforward services during a brake inspection, we include them.

From a safety perspective, faulty brake calipers can greatly increase your stopping distance, cause the vehicle to pull to one side, or lead to a loss of control, putting you and others at risk of injury. Neglecting brake caliper maintenance has no environmental impact.