One of the rarer car problems is a bad brake caliper.
The brake caliper is the part that presses the brake pads against the brake discs when you press the pedal.
Essentially, the caliper is a mini hydraulic press.
This car part is very durable, and problems usually appear at higher mileage due to material fatigue.
As with all brake problems, it’s good to recognize them on time to avoid bigger trouble.
Besides this website, you can also watch videos on our YouTube channel, where we have many car-related videos that may help with maintenance, driving, etc.
SYMPTOMS OF A BAD BRAKE CALIPER
1. LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
The first and easiest symptom of a bad brake caliper to notice is that the brake fluid level is low all the time.
You will have to add it frequently.
The reason for this is usually a leak on the caliper piston seals or on the bleeder screw.
If you don’t know how to add brake fluid, click here to find out.
2. BRAKE FLUID LEAKS
Next, you may notice traces of brake fluid or leaks on the caliper or on the wheel.
At first, it may be barely visible, but later it can become a bigger stain under the car.
3. THE CAR PULLS TO ONE SIDE WHEN BRAKING
At this time, you may notice that the car starts pulling to one side when you brake.
In more severe cases, you may even have to make corrections with the steering wheel to keep the car on the road.
At first, this symptom of a bad brake caliper is barely noticeable; later, it’s obvious.
The common cause of this symptom is that the piston is stuck inside the brake caliper and doesn’t press the pads against the disc, or there is a problem with the mounting bracket.
4. BAD BRAKING PERFORMANCE
You will also notice that the braking distance gets longer as the problems get worse, and there is less and less braking power.
You may even have to pump the brake to achieve braking power, or worse, the pedal may start sinking if there is a leak.
If, God forbid, the brakes start totally failing, here’s an article on what you can do and perhaps get out of trouble.
5. UNEVEN BRAKE PAD WEAR
If you let this problem go unchecked, the brake pads in the caliper will start to wear unevenly.
This is a symptom of a bad brake caliper that often goes unnoticed, especially if there are no leaks. It can go on for months if the driver doesn’t notice the car pulling to one side.
The usual reason for this symptom is a stuck caliper piston.
CONCLUSION
As with all brake problems, the moment you see a low brake fluid level, inspect the problem.
You can first make a visual inspection of the brake calipers and check for leaks, but also take off the wheel and check the brake pads.
Just don’t postpone the problem; especially if there is a leak, it can turn for the worse at a moment’s notice.
Written by: Sibin Spasojevic
Former car technician, life-long car and DIY enthusiast, author for Despairrepair.com
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