Brake caliper is a component of the brake disk. Caliper together with piston presses brake shoes with brake pads to the brake disk. When the driver depresses the brake pedal, the brake cylinder piston moves and braking occurs. The most common is floating caliper, but on some cars there are swinging and fixed calipers. Usually brake calipers are cast and their service life is longer then of the car itself. Unlike wearing parts, such as brake pads and brake disks, caliper replacement is needed very seldom.

If the brake caliper is defective, it is likely that damage has occurred because of a severe impact, such as an accident. Also material defects are possible. In very old or intensively used cars formed rust can cause the destruction of the material and the break caliper itself. Visual inspection and regular maintenance can help to reveal small cracks. If there is even a small crack, it is necessary to replace the caliper immediately.

Brake caliper is a simple part. Its replacement doesn’t need much effort. Nevertheless, it must be done in a repair shop. Even a small error because of lack of experience, can lead to problems. It is much better the brake caliper to be replaced by a professional. And you will suffer small expenses. In our online store you will find other spare car parts, such as brake pads, brake disks, electric window lifters, ABS sensors, horns, starters, throttle valves at low prices. In matters of quality we don’t make a compromise. In our online store you will buy only high-quality car parts.

Failures of the disc brake wheel caliper

• mechanical damage of the part;
• jamming of component in the caliper;
• component wear;
• caliper deformation;
• component displacement;
• pads corrosion;
• caliper anchorage displacement;
• piston boots wear.

Signs of failures of the disc Caliper

• extraneous sounds at brake pedal pressing;
• vibration and beating vibration when braking;
• car skids;
• knocks at the suspension that disappear only when braking;
• worsening of vehicle response;
• difficulties in passing the turns;
• excessively free brake pedal travel.

Causes of failures of the disc brake wheel caliper

• air in the brake unit;
• dirt and dust impact;
• frequent temperature changes;
• installation of low-quality components;
• driving on rough roads;
• incorrect caliper fixation;
• sporting driving style.
• use of low-quality consumables;
• poor maintenance of the system.

Diagnostics

Experts recommend to diagnose the caliper condition every month. At first inspect the unit. Then estimate the general condition of all braking system. For example, you can test it, having accelerated the car up to 80 kilometers per hour (be sure the road is even and dry). After that  press brake pedal sharply. There should be no unusual sounds and change of the path. Also don't forget to ensure that there is a grease in the unit and all the components are working correctly. Diagnose the braking system after every 20000 operational kilometers.

Repair and replacement of disc Caliper

Calipers wear out rather often (it is interesting that front calipers demand replacement 2–3 times more often than rear). It will be reasonable not to make replacement at once, and repair them after consultation with experts. The component will be disconnected and cleared of braking fluid and oil at the service station. After that the calibration of the caliper and replacement of gaskets will be carried out. If the part is beyond repair, it is necessary to perform replacement.