A crucial part of every brake system is the brake caliper. Furthermore, the vehicle’s braking performance is significantly influenced by the brake caliper’s efficiency.
The car’s safety can be substantially impacted by damage and wear. For this reason, if the brake caliper is damaged, it should be changed immediately.
We have gathered all the necessary details regarding this component, its replacement, and the associated expenses.
A brake caliper is what?
The brake caliper is in charge of making the brakes work. The brake caliper and associated brake pads are pressed against the disc when the driver applies the brakes by the piston.
The vehicle is made slower by friction, which lowers its speed. As you can see, a brake caliper that is harmed or worn out needs to be replaced immediately.
The worst-case scenario is the possibility of losing all braking ability, which might result in accidents.
Furthermore, if repairs are delayed, there is a chance of far more expensive secondary damage, as brake linings and brake discs may also be impacted. The replacement becomes far more costly in such a situation.
This is how a brake caliper that is damaged will behave.
The issue with brake caliper deterioration is that the symptoms could also be due to other problems.
In any event, careful examination of the symptoms below is advised to pinpoint the issue rapidly.
Take note of these indicators:
- Noticeable heating of the tire and rim resulted from a seized brake caliper.
- Noticeable difficulty in starting, frequently accompanied by grinding or squeaking noises.
- Check your wheels. The brakes on that wheel should be examined if more dust than normal gathers on the rim.
- When a brake caliper is stuck, friction is ongoing. This is shown not just by a rise in temperature but also by a familiar smell. Detecting such a smell is a crucial clue.
These are all significant indicators that should never be disregarded. In any event, a check ought to be made.
How frequently should a brake caliper be inspected or changed?
Generally speaking, you should examine the entire braking system every time you change the tires.
Since deterioration depends on individual performance and driving style, among other things, it is impossible to provide more accurate information on inspection or replacement periods for worn items like brakes.
The caliper or brake pads will wear out significantly sooner in the hands of heavy brake users than in other motorists.
Should you visit a shop or change the brake caliper at home?
A brake caliper replacement at a specialized facility is always advised. This is because it is a crucial component of the car and is vital to your safety while operating it.
However, you can also complete the replacement at yourself if you have the proper equipment and knowledge. The actual replacement is simple and easy to do.
It is mandatory always to replace both sides of the brake discs and brake pads.
It’s important to note that brake pads and discs should always be replaced on both sides. The brake caliper, which can easily be changed separately if necessary, is an exception to this rule.
What equipment is required?
Equipment needed to change the brake calipers.
The following tools are required if you want to replace the brake caliper yourself:
- Extension pliers
- Crosshead wrench
- Ring wrench
- Spanner wrench
- Wire brushes
- Screwdriver with a flat blade
- Screwdriver, Phillips
- The rubbers mallet
- Bottle-holding brake fluid
How to replace the brake caliper in detail
- Elevate the car or set it on a platform for lifting.
- Take the wheels off.
- Use the wire brush to thoroughly clean the area where the brake cable meets the caliper.
- Put the container in its proper place.
- Using an appropriate ratchet wrench, loosen the hollow bolt in the brake caliper.
- Completely unfasten the bolt to allow the brake fluid to drain.
- Using a flat-blade screwdriver, unclamp the parking brake cable.
- Disengage the handbrake cable from the guide.
- Tighten the caliper’s screws (counter-screws and two wrenches are required).
- Take the screws out.
- Remove the bracket holding the brake caliper.
- Take out the brake discs and pads.
Prior to assembly
- Use the wire brush to clean the brake lining housing and wheel hub thoroughly.
- Next, put the brake caliper and all other components back together in the opposite order.
- Remove the dust protection cap from the brake caliper before mounting the brake pipe.
- Take out the gasket that goes with the hollow bolt underneath it.
- Attach the brake hose by installing it and removing the hollow bolt.
- Lastly, fill the braking system with brake fluid and let it vent.
Things to take into account when replacing the brake calipers
- It is crucial to complete each stage quietly and with diligence. If mistakes are committed, the worst that can happen is that the vehicle’s roadworthiness is compromised.
- Furthermore, since the air in the brake system may have unanticipated consequences on braking effectiveness, it is crucial to ventilate the brake system after use properly. As a result, the brakes might not be able to stop the vehicle instantly.
- Additionally, it’s crucial to gather any leaking brake fluid and dispose of it at a designated location. Because brake fluid is bad for the environment, it shouldn’t be thrown away in other ways, including domestic waste.
These expenses ought to cover caliper repair or replacement.
The process of changing or repairing a brake caliper sounds pretty challenging. The fact that garages charge a fair amount for this service is not surprising.
However, there is a difference between routine maintenance, fixing little damages, and replacing entire parts.
Therefore, it could be costly to replace every component. However, regardless of cost, you should engage the services of a qualified workshop if you lack the knowledge and experience necessary to fix the car.
If you take responsibility for getting the original spare parts, you may frequently decrease this.
- Prices may differ between garages and depend on the type of vehicle.
- A specialized workshop typically charges between 40 and 100 dollars per wheel for maintenance and repair.
- A skilled workshop will charge between 200 and 500 dollars for each wheel for a replacement using spare parts.
- Make sure they are of original quality in any circumstance. A significant portion of the cost of the workshop is made up of the cost of the parts, which ranges from 100 to 300 dollars. You may frequently cut the expense and harm by purchasing them yourself.
