Brake Caliper Bracket Metal Adapters For Brembo GT6 BMW E70 Car

Installing a brake caliper on your vehicle? You’ve come to the right place.

Brake calipers are very important to a vehicle’s brake system as brake fluid flows to the piston(s) in the caliper to press the brake pads onto the rotor.

If you are preparing to install a new brake caliper, read this comprehensive guide of helpful tips to ensure you get the job done right. First, we discuss what a brake caliper is, what happens when a caliper goes bad, and the consequences of driving with a bad caliper.

WHAT IS A BRAKE CALIPER?

The brake caliper is the hydraulic component of the disc brake system. Brake calipers compress the brake pads on the rotor surface to stop a vehicle.

Brake calipers house pistons and brake pads. The job of a brake caliper is to slow a vehicle’s wheels by creating friction with the brake rotors.

A brake caliper fits like a clamp on a wheel’s rotor to stop the wheel from turning when the brakes are engaged. When the brake pedal is pressed, brake fluid creates pressure on pistons inside the brake caliper, forcing the pads against the brake rotor and slowing your vehicle.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A BRAKE CALIPER GOES BAD?

Brake calipers are crucial components of modern disc brake systems. Over time, brake calipers are exposed to the intense heat created by braking and can eventually fail. Caliper failure interferes with a vehicle’s ability to stop and negatively affects its safety and handling.

When calipers go bad, vehicles typically display telltale signs such as:

BRAKES FEEL ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING

Grimy brake calipers can get stuck and make it feel as though the brakes are always engaged, even when your foot is off the brake pedal. It may feel as though the parking brake is left on, or the vehicle is working harder to go fast and dragging at speed.

VEHICLE PULLING

Calipers are exposed to extreme heat from braking, which can sometimes cause caliper pistons to seize. When a caliper piston seizes, it cannot automatically retract, which causes the wheel to drag. This, in turn, causes the vehicle to veer toward the side of the affected caliper.

ABNORMAL SOUNDS WHEN BRAKING

Loose, sticking, or binding brake calipers can create high-pitched noises, sudden thudding, or impact sounds when the brakes are applied. A brake caliper in this condition is not able to stop a vehicle properly and can lead to premature brake wear.

REDUCED BRAKING POWER

Although it can also be a sign of leaking brake fluid, reduced braking power can signify a bad brake caliper. When it feels as though extra effort is needed to brake and come to a complete stop, it may mean that the caliper sliders have become stuck due to dirt and grime buildup. The brakes may feel spongy when engaged and the caliper will not be able to fully clamp down.

BRAKE FLUID LEAKS

Brake fluid leakage is one of the most common signs of a bad or failing caliper. A brake caliper uses brake fluid pressure from the pedal and master cylinder to extend the piston and slow the vehicle. A rubber seal and boot prevent the fluid from leaking out. Over time, constant exposure to the intense heat created by braking causes these seals to wear out and leak.