Car brake caliper bracket rear and front

How to detect the brake caliper bracket failure

The brake caliper bracket diagnosis is typically carried out in two stages. First, it is necessary to estimate the braking performance of all wheels. For this, you need to accelerate the car on a flat horizontal asphalt road to a speed of 30 km/h and, after fully pressing the clutch or putting the car in neutral gear, sharply press the brake pedal. If the vehicle does not skid, the calipers and brackets are in good working order.

After this, you can start examining the part. For more comfort, it is advisable to raise the car with a jack and dismantle the wheel. To detect the freeplay of the guide pins in the bracket, you have to hold the caliper and try to sway it. If the freeplay is detected, the assembly has to be dismantled and more thoroughly examined. If the guide pin holes in the bracket are worn out, the part should be replaced. Cracks on the bracket surface or its deformation also indicate the need for replacement.

You may see that the brake caliper bracket needs an inspection by the following signs:

• abnormal sounds during braking;
• vehicle pulls to one side;
• loss of the vehicle dynamic performance;
• loss of braking efficiency;
• locking of the wheel;
• uneven wear of brake pads.

Causes of the brake caliper bracket faults

The caliper bracket is made of sturdy alloys and has a long service life. The necessity to replace it occurs rarely. Typically, it is caused by the disruption of the caliper guide pin holes or the fastening bolts holes, and sometimes by the part cracking.

The cause of increasing of the gap between the bracket and the guide pins is usually the absence or lack of lubricant inside the component, as well as its non-compliance with the car technical requirements. Because of the guide pin boot destruction, dirt and moisture get inside the bracket, which causes its fast destruction, and, eventually, jamming of moving components.

Warping is a fairly common failure of the brake caliper bracket. It often results from the ingress of foreign objects into the bracket while driving. But it can also happen in the result of a collision or mistakes during the unit assembly.

Frequent driving on low-quality roads results in loosening of the fasteners attaching the bracket to steering knuckle. If you do not tighten them in time, the part breakage can happen right during braking. It is dangerous.

During long usage, the mounting grooves, into which the brake pads are inserted, may wear out. Eventually, the risk of skew enhances, and rattling occurs.

Replacing the brake caliper bracket

1. Loosen the wheel bolts or nuts.
2. Lift the vehicle with a jack and install a jack stand under its bottom.
3. Remove the wheel after fully unscrewing its fasteners.
4. Unscrew the brake caliper guide pins and disconnect it from the bracket. Tie the brake caliper to the spring of the shock strut or to other suspension parts with a wire to prevent the brake hose damage.
5. Take the brake pads out of the caliper bracket.
6. Unscrew the fasteners attaching the bracket to steering knuckle.
7. Remove the bracket and install a new one in its place.
8. Install new guide pins, put inside high-temperature grease, replace dust boots.
9. Assemble the caliper performing the steps in reverse order.