Have you noticed your vehicle pulling to one side when you brake or is it taking longer than usual to come to a stop? If so, would you have to press the brake pedal with significantly more force than before? Do you smell something burning after braking? The drive turns slowly and the idle has deteriorated? Maybe it's time to fix the caliper.
Why is my brake caliper blocking?
Common reasons for this Blocking of a brake caliper are:
- Exposure to moisture and dirt. The accumulated debris prevents the pistons and guide pins from moving freely. Liquids lead to their corrosion, which leads to sticking. As the rubber boots protecting moving parts from aggressive impact wear out, the risk of breaking the pistons and pins increases. Sticking is also much more likely if the brake fluid is not replaced in time: it is hygroscopic, so the water content increases over time, which also leads to corrosion of the pistons and needles.
- Use wrong lubricants or none at all. A special high-temperature resistant grease must be used for the guide pins. Inappropriate fat tends to dry out or leak; it can also destroy the rubber elements. The guide pins cannot move freely in the swollen port.
- Abrupt temperature changes. These have a negative effect on the rubber sleeves. They accelerate corrosion and can cause the brake disc to buckle, which often leads to sticking brakes.
- Worn brake kit elements. A worn caliper body or piston face will cause it to become skewed and sticky. Dirt accumulated in damaged areas impedes free movement of the moving units. Air infiltration causes faster corrosion.
- Deformation. The guide pins may bend due to improper installation, the heavy loads, or careless driving; This also increases the risk of sticking.
- Driving with worn brake pads and brake discs. In order to ensure a good grip of a worn friction pair, the piston can move too far from its seat, which can lead to its skewing.
- Using the wrong brake fluid. If a liquid is too viscous, the pistons will not return to their initial position. In addition, polymeric or composite pistons can swell when in contact with the wrong fluid.
- Exposure to harsh chemicals. Grounds and brake fluid will wear out the rubber dust boots prematurely, so it is important to keep the system airtight at all times.
5 tips to prevent brake calipers from seizing
- Replace the brake fluid in time.
A high water content in the brake fluid will cause the brake pistons to corrode. - Check regularly whether the dust cover is in good condition.
If damaged dirt gets onto the brake pistons. - Use the brake fluid recommended by the car manufacturer.
If the brake fluid is too viscous, the brake pistons only move back to their original position slowly. - Grease the guide pins every six months.
This ensures that the moving parts of the assembly can move smoothly along their working path.
Very important! Use a special high-temperature grease. - Clean the Brake caliper.
Use brake cleaner and a wire brush to remove contaminants.
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Conclusion: The brake caliper is the type of auto part that should never be neglected may. Its correct condition ensures the performance of the braking system and therefore your safety – and everyone else's. Ignoring the first signs of caliper failure can result in disc cracks and complete brake failure. Follow this advice to ensure your caliper will give you long and trouble-free service.
