How To Fix A Sticking Brake Caliper In Steps
Problems with the brakes are among the most important considerations that each driver should have. When the brake calipers of your car get stuck, it may result in decreased braking performance, greater wear on components, and possibly hazardous driving situations. Brake calipers are essential components in the brake system of your vehicle. The good news is that repairing a brake caliper that is stuck may be a handleable process if you have some basic equipment and a little bit of knowledge.
Before we get into the specifics of how to repair a brake caliper that is stuck, let’s first have a better understanding of what a brake caliper is and what it performs. A brake caliper is a component of the disc braking system. It has pistons that, when actuated by hydraulic brake fluid, press the brake pads against the rotor to slow down or stop your car. It is designed to fit over the rotor like a clamp configuration.
Manifestations of a Brake Caliper That Is Sticking
- Whenever you use the brakes, your car pulls to one side.
- After driving, there is a stench that is similar to burning.
- The region around the wheel becomes quite heated.
- The performance of the brakes dropped.
- Surprising sounds coming from the brakes.
How come brake calipers tend to stick?
The following are some of the reasons why brake calipers may get stuck:
- Erosion: It has the potential to cause the components of the caliper to get stuck.
- Both dirt and debris have the potential to build and impede the movement of the calipers.
- Brake pads or rotors that have worn out might lead to an imbalance and create unnecessary stress on the caliper.
- A faulty piston may cause a caliper piston to get stuck as a result of damage or corrosion.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it is of the utmost importance to address this matter as soon as possible. The agency emphasizes that problems connected to brakes are responsible for a considerable number of vehicle safety concerns.
A Priority for Safety in Preparation!
Safety is of the utmost importance before you begin. In addition to ensuring that the parking brake is engaged, the car should be positioned on a level surface. Keep your eyes and hands covered for protection. Make sure you have all of the essential tools and components before you start:
- The stands of Jack and Jack
- The C-clamp
- The wrench set
- Lubricant (the finest lubricant that is unique to the caliper)
- If they are required, new brake pads and caliper components
Step 1: Loosen the Lug Nuts and Raise the Vehicle
Assemble the wheel by loosening the lug nuts, but do not remove them just yet. Take the car to a higher position using a jack, and then place it firmly on jack stands. Complete the process of removing the lug nuts, and then remove the wheel.
Step 2: Remove the Brake Caliper
Find the caliper, and then use a wrench to remove the bolts that are holding it in place. In this situation, you could need some power; if required, you might apply penetrating oil. It is important to remove the caliper away from the rotor with caution and to support it with a hanger or a tie so that it does not hang below the brake line.
Step 3: Inspect the Brake Caliper
Examine the item for any obvious indications of wear or damage. If the pistons are the source of the problem, it will be necessary to compress them back into the caliper housing. It is possible to do this by using a C-clamp. Position one end of the clamp on the piston, and the other end of the clamp against the rear of the clutch. Increase the clamp’s tension gradually to force the piston backward.
Step 4: Clean the Caliper Bracket
To clean the caliper bracket, remove any dirt, corrosion, or old brake pad residue that may be present. To completely clean the region, you should make use of a wire brush and caliper cleaner. Immediately after cleaning, add a very thin coating of caliper oil to the regions where the brake pads come into touch with the surface.
Step 5: Replace or Lubricate Caliper Slides
Free movement is required for the caliper slides. Before reinstalling them, remove them, clean them well, and then add fresh lubrication. When looking for specific techniques, authoritative car repair instructions such as those published by Chilton are a good option.
Step 6: Reassemble the Components of the Brake System
Following the completion of the cleaning and lubrication processes, it is now time to reassemble everything. It might be a good idea to change your brake pads at this time if they are tired. Reinstall the caliper on top of the new pads and rotor, and then bolt it into place to ensure that it is in place firmly.
Step 7: Bleed the Brake System
When you work on the brakes, there is a possibility that air may enter the braking system. To ensure that your braking system performs properly, it is necessary to remove this air by bleeding the brakes. Referring to the handbook that came with your car or reputable resources such as Haynes Manuals can provide you with correct instructions.
Step 8: Test the Brakes
Immediately after putting everything back together and making sure everything is secure, you should bring the car down to the ground and test the brakes. The brake pedal should be pumped many times to check that the brake pads are fitted correctly and that the pedal has a hard feel to it overall. To verify that the caliper is no longer stuck, you should take the vehicle for a test drive while exercising caution.
Final Thoughts
Even though a stuck brake caliper might result in severe safety issues, it is possible to resolve this problem at home by using a logical approach. If you are uncertain about anything or if the issue continues, you must seek the assistance of a qualified technician. When it comes to driving safely, it is quite necessary to check that your brakes are in excellent functioning condition.
To avoid problems such as a brake caliper that is stuck, it is important to remember that regular maintenance is essential. When it comes to correctly maintaining your car, it is important to do routine inspections of your braking system and to get advice from reliable sources such as the Car Care Council.