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.
CAN I DRIVE WITH A BAD BRAKE CALIPER?
You should not drive with bad brake calipers. If you notice any of
the signs listed above, you may have a serious problem that
requires immediate brake repair. Below are some potential
consequences of driving with bad calipers.
IMPAIRED PERFORMANCE
In many cases, only one caliper will go bad at a time. This will
cause one wheel to be affected more than the others and lead to
your vehicle pulling to the left or right as it is driven. This
condition makes it much more difficult to control the vehicle.
IMPAIRED PERFORMANCE
In many cases, only one caliper will go bad at a time. This will
cause one wheel to be affected more than the others and lead to
your vehicle pulling to the left or right as it is driven. This
condition makes it much more difficult to control the vehicle.
DECREASED EFFICIENCY
When you’re driving with the brakes even slightly engaged, your
vehicle needs to work harder to increase and maintain speed. The
lack of acceleration is one of the most common signs of sticking
calipers. This means your vehicle will have to use more fuel than
it used to, so expect to fill your tank more frequently.
BRAKE PAD WEAR
When calipers stick, the brake pads are in constant use and wear
down faster. Worn brake pads prevent proper braking pressure in
emergencies. Additionally, when the pad wears away, backing plates
begin to make contact with rotors. If that metal-on-metal contact
persists, the rotors may need to be replaced as well.
OVERHEATED BEARINGS
Brake pads are in constant contact with wheel rotors when calipers
push down all the time. This contact causes friction, and friction
causes excess heat. Extreme heat is one of the most significant
factors that contribute to wheel bearing damage.
TRANSMISSION WEAR
Sticking calipers place stress on a transmission system because
they affect the speed of a vehicle relative to its wheels. A
transmission system is one of the most expensive and important
components of a vehicle. Anything that causes excess wear on the
transmission, including sticking calipers, should be considered a
serious problem.
UNPLEASANT SOUNDS AND SMELLS
If a vehicle with sticking calipers is driven consistently,
unpleasant sounds and smells will begin to emerge. Over time,
constant braking will produce a grinding or howling sound.
Additionally, excess heat can cause braking components to burn,
producing a foul odor.
