The brake calliper is a vital component of your car’s braking system. The calliper is located at each wheel and works in tandem with your vehicle’s rotors to slow down your car when you press the brake pedal or pull the brake lever.
A wheel calliper is like a clamp that squeezes a pair of metal plates bonded with friction material — called brake pads — against the rotor. When you step on the brakes, these brake pads are pressed against the rotors by hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder.
This forces the rotor to turn kinetic energy into heat, which slows down your car and brings it to a stop. Callipers can be a critical part of a car’s braking system and should be serviced regularly, but they do not last forever.
Generally, there are two types of callipers:
single-piston callipers and fixed callipers. The latter is typically found in luxury cars and sports cars and is considered high-performance brakes.
The cost of a brake calliper depends on the vehicle brand and class, as well as the type of calliper. There are also different kinds of calliper and piston materials, which can range from cheap steel to high-end billet aluminium.
Brake callipers can leak, so it is important to keep them free from moisture and debris. It is also a good idea to inspect the dust boots that protect the calliper piston and slide pins. Any dirt or rust in these boots is an indicator that it is time to have the calliper repaired or replaced.
One of the most common warning signs of a failing calliper is leaking brake fluid. The calliper’s rubber seal and boot prevent the flow of fluid, but they can wear out over time. This can compromise the pressure sealing capacity of your brake system and reduce your car’s ability to slow down or stop.
If your calliper is leaking brake fluid, it is recommended that you have the calliper replaced as soon as possible. This will improve the safety of your car and your driving experience.
Some symptoms of a bad calliper include squealing, vibrating or clicking noises coming from the calliper. These sounds can indicate that the calliper is stuck in place or has seized.
A seized calliper may also result in uneven pad wear, which can cause your brakes to work less effectively or produce excessive brake dust. This can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide in your engine and potentially cause damage to your engine.
Lastly, a seized calliper can cause your vehicle to steer or pull to one side when you apply the brakes. This happens because the calliper pistons are stuck in place, which is caused by corrosion or other problems that inhibit their movement.
A faulty calliper can cause your brakes to fail completely or even make them unsafe to use. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle, which could be very dangerous.