The brake caliper is what slows your car down when you push on the brake pedal. It uses the magics of hydraulics to force the brake pad up against the brake rotor. This friction of the two is what slows the wheel and the car down.

Unless you’re a real racer on the streets, your brake calipers should only need to be changed if something goes wrong. They aren’t something that normally wears out, that’s what the brake pads and rotors are designed for.

What is a brake caliper?

A brake caliper is fitted to the wheel hub assembly and uses hydraulic fluid to perform its duties. This fluid is brake fluid and is controlled by the brake pedal. 

When you press down on the brake pedal, it creates pressure in the brake lines which moves through to the caliper. 

When the pressure gets to the caliper, it pushes a piston inside the caliper into the back of the brake pad. The front of the brake pad is then forced against the brake rotor. This creates friction and slows the wheel down. 

As you let your foot off of the brake pedal, it reduces the pressure in the lines and allows the piston to retract the pad. 

Brake calipers are usually made out of iron or aluminum and the pistons are made out of plastic, iron, steel, aluminum or other metals.

Why do you need a brake caliper? 

The brake caliper is the manager of all the vital components in the braking system. 

A faulty caliper may not depress the pad properly against the rotor and prevent proper braking.

If the piston becomes damaged, fluid starts leaking or the car just isn’t braking as it should, you should get it fixed as soon as possible.

What symptoms mean you need a new brake caliper?

• The brake pedal feels soft and spongy
• The car doesn’t stop in line with the brake input
• The car pulls in a left or right direction when braking
• There is a squealing or squeaking noise when braking or turning
• Brake fluid is noticeable around a particular wheel

How to replace brake calipers

• The wheels are loosened on the affected side and the car is hoisted into the air
• The brake caliper is unbolted from the hub and removed from its mounting spot 
• The brake lines are disconnected from caliper, making sure to catch all spilt brake fluid
• The brake pads can be removed if still in good condition and fitted to the new calipers
• The brake line is connected to the new caliper and the new caliper is mounted and bolted to the hub 
• The brakes are bled and the wheels refitted
• The mechanic will then road test the car to check performance

How much does a brake caliper replacement cost?

It’s not a very common replacement as the brake pads and rotors take most of the beating. 

Prices can start as low as $275 and get upwards of $800 for the top of the line performance parts.

How often do I need new brake calipers? 

Only when there’s an issue, they aren’t a regularly serviced item and don’t have a service life. 

Is a broken brake caliper unsafe?

Yes it is. 

Being in charge of your car's braking is a very important job. If there’s an issue then you should absolutely get it assessed and fixed as soon as possible. 

You can find a Brake Caliper Replacement mechanic near me with My Auto Shop