However, the brake caliper covers the car brakes, pads, and pistons. A caliper is a part of the disc brake system, which helps slow down your car wheel by creating friction with brake rotors. Meanwhile, if you have difficulty understanding the car wheel brake caliper, call us at our helpline.
The Function of the Wheel Brake Caliper in a Car
Housing for Brake Pads and Pistons
Meanwhile, the caliper contains the brake pads and the friction material, clamping down on the brake rotor to slow or stop the vehicle. The brake caliper also includes one or more pistons that push the brake pads against the rotor.
Hydraulic Pressure
If you press the brake pedal, brake fluid is forced through the brake lines and into the brake caliper, pushing the pistons outward.
Friction Creation
While the pistons move outward, the car wheel brake caliper presses the brake pads against the rotating brake rotor. Thus, the friction generated between the brake pads and the rotor slows down the wheel’s rotation, reducing or stopping the vehicle’s speed.
Maintenance
Although brake calipers are made to be durable, they can still wear out or become damaged over time. Common issues include sticking calipers, which can cause uneven braking or pulling to one side, and leaking seals, leading to a loss of brake fluid and reduced braking effectiveness.
Types of Brake Calipers
Fixed Calipers
However, the fixed calipers have pistons on both sides of the rotor and do not move. This helps the pistons on both sides apply pressure to the brake pads, squeezing the rotor from both sides.
Sliding Calipers
Further, sliding calipers have pistons only on one side of the rotor. While you apply the brake, the caliper itself slides on guide pins. So, the single piston pushes the inner brake pad against the rotor while the caliper body moves to press the outer pad against the rotor.
When to Replace the Car Wheel Brake Caliper?
However, heat can be generated over time from the braking system, weakening and breaking down the calipers’ seals. Some of the factors that indicate replacement are:
- When the brake starts squeaking, squealing, or grinding.
- If the anti-lock braking system warning light comes on.
- Your car starts jerking to one side when braking.
- In case you need to pump your brakes to work correctly
- The brake pedals feel unusually soft and hard.
- If there is brake fluid leaks around the wheel or engine compartment.
How Much Does Used Car Wheel Brake Caliper Cost?
Henceforth, the brake caliper is an expensive part of the braking system to replace. The price also depends on whether you want to replace the entire system, including pads, rotor, and caliper, or just a single caliper.
- Depending on your car’s model and year, you will have to pay between $100 and $300 to replace a used brake caliper.
- However, if you want to replace the entire braking system, you will be charged between $400 and $800.
Frequently Asked Questions
However, the brake caliper shelters brake pads, and when you apply pressure to the brake pedal, brake fluids are forced through the lines that drive the piston in the caliper, forcing the pads against the rotors.
Yes, brake calipers fail due to rust that builds up on the caliper guide pins. However, rust can also seize the caliper’s moving parts and make it difficult to slide back and forth. It can also happen if the brake pads are worn out.
Technically, no, as the vehicles have disc brakes mounted on only the front wheels, and if you replace only one, it will imbalance your front wheels. So, it is suggested that the brake calipers be changed in pairs.
Meanwhile, calipers are the most expensive part of the brake system. Replacing a single caliper might cost around $130; depending on your model, the price can be even higher.
