The brake caliper is an important part of the braking system of the car and its main job is to slow down the wheels by creating friction with the brake rotors.

It works together with the brake pads, rotors and along with the other components of the hydraulic system to slow and stop the car.

With the assistance of the pistons, the caliper converts the hydraulic pressure in the brake system into the mechanical force which presses the brake pads against the brake disc.

Over time, brake calipers wear out because of the intense heat that is created while braking and this results in adverse effects on the safety and handling of the car.

When the caliper starts to malfunction, the car usually shows a few symptoms that a driver should notice and service the car before any major problem affects the car.

Here are some of the common symptoms shown by a malfunctioning brake caliper.

Brake fluid leaks

When you notice that there is leakage of the brake fluid, then it might be the warning sign of a bad brake caliper.

The calipers rely on the brake fluid pressure for their operation and a rubber seal and boot helps to keep the fluid intact inside the braking system avoiding leakage.

But due to the regular exposure to heat produced during braking, these rubber seals wear out and allows the fluid to leak.

Abnormal sounds

Another common symptom of a faulty brake caliper is abnormal sounds coming out of the wheels whenever the brakes are applied.

If you hear a high pitched noise of squeaking or scraping sounds, while applying pressure on the brake pedal then it might be the result of a worn-out brake caliper.

Under such conditions, the brake caliper will not work and fails to stop the car efficiently.

Car pulling

While driving if you feel that the car is pulling itself either to the left or right, then the problem might be with the brake calipers.

Sometimes, the intense heat produced while braking seizes the caliper piston. A seized caliper piston cannot automatically retract and results in a constant drag on to that wheel.

This drag forces the car to pull towards the side of the faulty brake caliper. Such car pulling to one side is very annoying while driving.

Why is the maintenance of brake calipers important?

The brake calipers are always the neglected part of the car, which actually needs to be checked and serviced regularly.

Mostly the slide pins lose their lubrication and affect the sliding capacity of the brake calipers. The lack of lubrication may also result in premature and uneven wear of the brake pads.

And when the brake pads get unevenly worn, then it does not connect properly with the brake rotor and the stopping power of the wheels become seriously weak.

Bottom line

A timely and correctly serviced caliper not only slides smoothly on its guide pins, but also allow the rotor to turn freely when the brake pedal pressure is released.

Therefore, servicing of the brake calipers should be taken seriously as it is a vital mechanical component of the braking system.

When you are reversing your car if you find that it does not detect the reverse then bring it to a mechanic for fixing the sensor. Performance-Specialists / THANK YOU!THANK YOU!