Calipers

What is a brake caliper?

A brake caliper is an essential part of the brake system in your vehicle. How does a brake caliper work? When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic fluid is sent from the brake master cylinder to the caliper which causes its pistons to move outward and compress the brake pads against the brake disc. Brake calipers are fitted to the front of all modern vehicles and often to the rear of vehicles as an upgrade to drum discs.

What comes with a brake caliper?

Brake calipers are supplied as a complete sealed unit with the pistons and seals already fitted. There are no additional parts to order (unless specifically stated). Calipers are one of the parts that are regularly re-manufactured as there are not many wearable parts. Returning these to as new condition is a simple process and these calipers work just as well as a new to market one.

How do I choose the correct brake caliper?

Brake systems are one of the most uprated components on a vehicle. The same model of vehicle can have several different brake systems fitted at the time of manufacture depending on a number of factors such as:

• The diameter of the disc

• The thickness of the disc

• Difference in the original manufacturer brand of the brake system. The makers of the brake system on a vehicle can be different especially when a model of vehicle is manufactured in different countries and then brought to the UK.

• Brake system code. This is commonly used with German vehicle brands

• Sports pack or other factory upgrades

• If the vehicle has ABS or traction control

• Vehicle manufacture date (this is not the date the vehicle was registered but the date it was made

• Engine number sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter

• VIN (chassis number) sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter

What brand of brake caliper should I choose?

Brands such as Bosch and TRW make brake system parts for the original car brands so these are considered premium however they can be more expensive as a result. There are other brands such as Blue Print, Febi, Borg & Beck that offer a quality parts at a lower price point. Remanufactured parts also offer great value and come with the same warranty as a new to market part (unless specifically stated). The brand you choose is often down to the correct parts availability and your budget.

How can I tell my brake caliper needs replacing?

Issues with your brake system should be resolved as a matter of urgency. We would always recommend that you have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to accurately diagnose which part of the brake system is faulty.

Some of the symptoms of a faulty brake calliper are:

• Brake pads are not wearing evenly

• Hydraulic brake fluid is leaking from the caliper

• The vehicle pulls to one side when braking

• The brake disc is overheating (disc may become warped)

• The caliper will not fully release