Brake caliper defective? How to replace it yourself

Content
1. Function of the brake caliper in the car
2. Causes of a defect in the brake caliper
The brake caliper is an important component of any modern brake system with disc brakes. However, the component, also known as the brake caliper or fist caliper, can wear out or break over time. In this guide, you will learn how defective brake calipers can be noticed and what the possible causes are. You will also receive valuable tips on how to replace the brake caliper in your car.
Function of the brake caliper in the car
As part of the braking system, the brake caliper ensures that the brake pads are pressed onto the brake disc precisely and with high pressure. The caliper guides the brake pads and accommodates the brake piston. The caliper itself is connected to the brake caliper carrier via guide pins and is mounted so that it can be moved.
Brake caliper transmits force during the braking process
When the driver depresses the brake pedal, this force is converted into brake pressure by the brake master cylinder. This pressure is transmitted to the brakes via the brake lines by means of brake fluid. Here, the brake piston displaces the movable brake caliper of the respective brake. The brake calipers thus press the brake pads firmly against the brake discs. When the brake pedal is released, the pressure in the brake system drops. Guided by the guide pins, the brake calipers move back to their original position. Depending on the brake system, the parking brake also acts on the rear brake discs via the brake calipers. A small motor for the function of the electric parking brake is often integrated in the brake caliper.
Causes of a defect in the brake caliper
Brake calipers are robustly constructed and are considered durable. However, in the suspension area, they are exposed to stresses from dirt, moisture and road salt. This can lead to wear and rust on the brake caliper, which is often the cause of defects that occur. A sporty driving style or the effects of an accident also occasionally lead to damage to the brake calipers.
Common reasons for defective brake calipers:
- Rust due to weather influences
- Wear due to a sporty driving style
- Damage due to an accident
- Mistakes during repair
- Cracks due to thermal stress
Symptoms of a defective brake caliper
An intact brake caliper ensures reliable braking performance in all driving situations. If a brake caliper is defective, typical symptoms often point to the damaged part. For example, when a brake caliper is defective, the car often tends to make unusual noises and vibrations while driving. The reason for this is that the brake pads rub against the brake disc due to the defective caliper. If the caliper of a brake is damaged, the braking force is sometimes distributed unevenly over the individual wheels. As a result, the car pulls to one side when braking. When the brake pedal is depressed, the usual braking effect is also not achieved. When the parking brake is applied, there is not enough force between the caliper and the disc. If the brake pads wear unevenly, a defective brake caliper is a possible explanation.
Typical signs of a defective brake caliper:
- Noises or vibrations
- Brakes pull on one side
- Braking effect is reduced
- Wear on the brake lining
- Brake comfort is poor
Replacing the brake caliper on a car
The brake caliper is one of the most important components of modern brake systems with brake discs. However, there are often signs of damage to the brake caliper, such as cracks or severe corrosion. In this case, the brake caliper must be replaced to ensure continued safety while driving. Only expert auto mechanics should replace safety-relevant components such as brake calipers themselves.
- Inspect the brake: The brake caliper itself is not always the cause of brake problems. Worn guide pins or a defective brake piston can also be responsible for the problem. Therefore, a thorough diagnosis of the complete brake system is always essential.
- Prepare for removal: To remove the defective brake caliper, the car is lifted onto a lifting platform or jacked up using a jack and jack stands. The respective wheel can then be removed. This provides good access to the brake and ensures the space needed for the repair.
- Dismantling the brake line: The next step is to unscrew the brake line. This can cause brake fluid to leak out, which must be collected. To prevent further leakage of the fluid, the brake line is disconnected or sealed using a suitable tool.
- Remove the brake caliper: To be able to remove the caliper, the brake caliper screw connections must first be loosened. For calipers with parking brake, it is necessary to unhook the brake cable. Then, remove the caliper from the caliper bracket and brake disc.
- Check components: The brake pad is often damaged by a defective caliper or the pads wear unevenly. Therefore, the brake pads should be checked after removing the caliper. The same applies to the guide pins, dust boots and caliper carrier.
- Installing the brake caliper: The intact brake caliper is installed in reverse order. To do this, the brake pads are inserted and the brake caliper is bolted to its retaining device. The manufacturer’s specifications with regard to tightening torque and threadlocking must be observed.
- Install the brake line: After installing the brake caliper, the brake must be reconnected to the brake system. To do this, the brake line is connected at the intended location and tightened to torque. The same applies to the parking brake device.
- Bleed the brake system: After assembling all components, it is necessary to bleed the brake system. To do this, loosen the bleed screw on the brake caliper and bleed the system according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Any missing fluid must then be replenished and the brake checked again.
What you should bear in mind when replacing the brake caliper
When replacing the brake caliper, there are a number of points to bear in mind. For example, brake dust should not be inhaled, as it is harmful to health. Contact with possibly leaking brake fluid should also be avoided. Depending on the manufacturer and the particular design of the disc brake, the repair procedure may differ. The design of the brake caliper varies depending on the vehicle model. Most production vehicles have a floating caliper with movable bearings. This type of caliper is also known as a fist caliper because it grips the brake disc like a fist. In luxury vehicles and sports cars, on the other hand, brake systems with fixed calipers and multiple pistons are often found.
Checking the complete brakes and brake pistons
When the brake caliper is replaced, all other components of the brakes should also be checked. Since the components of the brake system are disassembled anyway, replacing other parts is particularly easy. Brake parts such as pistons, brake pads, guide pins and brake discs can be easily checked for function and wear during the repair.
Top guides
- Injection system in the car explained simply - parts and function of the injection...
- Maintenance and repair of electric cars: what can your normal garage do?
- Increasing performance with chip tuning: benefits, risks and tips
- Guide: Computer systems and software in your car
- Which electric car parts need repair or replacement most often?
- What is a solid-state battery for electric cars?
- All about engine sensors: from combustion engines to electric cars
- Increase the range of an electric car: How every electric car gets further
- Electric car battery life: How to extend the life of the battery
- What is the compression of a car engine?
- This is the cubic capacity of a car engine
- Internal combustion engine valves: function, defects and repair
- Core components of the internal combustion engine - parts and functions
- Engine lubrication in cars: components, function and defects
- The environmental impact of manufacturing new car parts
- All about pollutant classes and their role in environmental protection
- Engine overhaul: What is an engine overhaul and how much does it cost?
- OEM car parts manufacturing: the key components of the sector
- Understanding engine power - insight into the technology of the car engine
- The steering system of the car - structure and operation
- The car's braking system - structure, parts and function
- Engine types in the car: V-engine, in-line engine and boxer engine explained
- 8 tips before buying a used electric car
- Distinguish OEM parts, aftermarket and counterfeit car parts
- The EPC indicator light is on or flashing: What to do?
- Master brake cylinder: function, defect detection and repair
- OEM car parts for hybrid and electric cars
- Used youngtimer and classic car parts - the best tips
- Cruise control: Function and repair of the cruise control system in the car
- Exhaust system: Everything you need to know about parts and function of the exhaus...
- Locking system: security and reliable locking on the car
- The engine's air intake system - parts, function and replacement
- Brake caliper defective? How to replace it yourself
- Fuel system: parts of the fuel supply from the tank to the cylinder
- Air conditioning system: function and components of your car air conditioning syst...
- The clutch: structure and function explained simply
- Detecting and replacing a defective fuel pump
- Surprised? So many pumps work in your car
- The most common causes of a defective electric car
- The 6 most important safety components of your car
- Identify and repair a defective starter in a flash
- 5 common chassis problems and how to fix them
- 10 unknown car parts that many drivers do not know about
- Engine cooling: function and important components of the cooling system
- Differences between petrol and diesel engines
- All-wheel drive: How the mechanics and components of all-wheel drive work
- Engine control unit car: Everything about components and functioning
- Defective engine control unit: causes, symptoms and repair
- HP vs. torque: What is the difference between power and torque?
- EV motors basics: How are they built, how they work and differ from combustion eng...
- The chassis: overview and function of all suspension components
- Used electric car parts: What to look out for
- The importance of the chassis number when buying used car parts
- ABS pump defective? Function, repair and replacement
- Injection nozzle defective? Diagnosis, cleaning and changing the injection nozzles
- Alternator defective? What symptoms occur and when to change the component
- Water pump defective? Symptoms and how to repair or change it
- Steering gear defective? What are the symptoms and when should the component be re...
- Lambda sensor defective? What are the symptoms and can I clean the sensor?
- Defective air conditioning compressor - what are the symptoms and when should the ...
- Intake manifold defective? Replace gasket or clean manifold?
- Exhaust manifold leaking? Symptoms of a defective exhaust manifold or gasket and w...
- Turbocharger defective? Repair or change?
- Servo pump defective? What symptoms occur and when you should change the part
- Clutch broken? - These symptoms indicate a defect in the clutch
- Common problems and repair of defective drive shafts
- Causes of engine noise and what to do about it?
- What can car diagnostic devices do and do I need an OBD scanner?
- When and how to replace brake discs and brake pads
- Brake warning lamp lights up - causes and what to do?
- EGR valve defective: Avoid engine problems and clean EGR valve
- Improve fuel consumption: How your car uses less fuel
- Squeaking brakes: Why brakes squeak and how to get rid of it
- Safely jacking up a car: How to jack up a car using a jack and jack stands
- How a defect in the muffler becomes noticeable and how it is replaced
- E-car motor: These electric car parts you can replace yourself
- Engine overheated: What you should do if the engine overheats
- Engine check lamp lights up: What you should do as a motorist
- The engine code: What does the code mean and where can I find it on the car?
- Tools for car repair: These 10 tools you should own
- Car repair mistakes: These are the 7 most common car repair mistakes
- The gearbox code: What does the code mean and where can it be found on the gearbox...
- Used parts: How to check the quality of used car parts
- Vehicle transmission: What is the difference between manual and automatic transmis...
- Mileage: This is how mileage affects used spare parts
- Car recycling: What happens to the car when it is recycled?
- OEM original parts or aftermarket: these are the differences
- Advantages and disadvantages of new and used car parts
- Starting problems? Top 9 reasons why your car does not start
- What’s that smell from my car? Top causes and cures
- Advantages of shopping scrap car parts online vs. going to the local breaker yards...
- 10 most frequently purchased car parts from car breakers/junkyard
- Important car parts and their function
- Common car engine problems: Diagnosing, Troubleshooting and Fixes
- Best tips for setting up your own home car workshop
- 7 Car parts replacements and repair tasks you should not do yourself
- DIY Car Maintenance and Repair Tasks
- Guide: How to Maintain and Protect Your Car Engine
- Best practices for Engine Rebuild
- Common Causes of Rear Differential Noise, troubleshooting, and how fix it
- Common Causes of power steering noise and how fix it
- Your Guide to Car Engine Components and Functions
- Licence plate and VIN information
- Top 10 of the most popular brands in second-hand autoparts
- France is just so cool