What are the symptoms of a jammed brake caliper?

Symptoms of a seized brake caliper are brake problems, vibration, or unusual noise. It is important to replace or release the caliper to avoid danger. Here are the symptoms and causes of a jammed brake caliper.

⚠️ What are the signs of a jammed brake caliper?

The brake caliper is part of your braking system. Its role is squeeze them Brake pads против diskwhich allows the wheels to slow down. To do this, it consists of at least one piston, sometimes two or four. The brake caliper receives brake fluid under pressure и piston turns it into a mechanical force that presses on the pads.

There are two types of brake calipers:

• Thefixed brake caliper : the piston presses the brake pads against the disc;
• Thefloating brake caliper : the piston only pushes the inner pad. It is a sliding system that allows you to control the outer cushion at the same time.

So the disc brakes only have calipers. Les drum brakes act differently. Many cars have disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. V hand brake This is often a drum brake, but it could very well be a disc brake with its own caliper and pads.

Thus, the brake caliper plays an important role in the braking system of your vehicle. Unfortunately, it can wear out or even get stuck. We are talking aboutseized brake caliper when the piston no longer moves normally. Symptoms of a jammed brake caliper:

• Your the car tends to pull to the side : Since the piston does not retract properly, the wheel still resists when the brake caliper is clamped. The vehicle then starts pulling on that side, the wheel no longer moves as fast as the wheel on the opposite side.
• . wheels vibrate when braking ;
• of abnormal noisesespecially when braking;
• of brake fluid leaks : Calipers require brake fluid pressure to activate the piston. But due to stress, its seal wears out.
• One the smell of burning : the constant friction of the pads on the disc, when the piston of the brake caliper does not retract, causes them to heat up;
• Finally, thethe impression that the brakes are constantly on, which is more or less true when the caliper is jammed.

🔍 What are the causes of a jammed brake caliper?

There are several reasons for a jammed brake caliper. So piston corrosion can cause the caliper to jam. The piston is actually surrounded by a rubber bellows that protects it from dirt. However, if the bellows breaks, rust can form.

Thethe brake caliper can also be deformed due to wear or shock. A lubrication problem can also damage it or its guides. Finally, brake hoses worn out may cause incorrect brake fluid flow.

🔧 How to release your car's brake caliper?

A jammed brake caliper is a danger to your safety and the safety of those around you. You cannot allow your braking system to be compromised in this way. But it is quite possible to release or change the brake caliper; it is even necessary.

Material:

• Tools
• WD 40

Step 1. Disassemble the caliper.

Start with the handbrake and place stops under the machine for your safety. Then we remove the wheel. Then you must disassemble the brake caliper... Remove the two screws, then remove the caliper. Don't forget to remove the brake pads as well.

Step 2: clean the parts

Soak the brake caliper in penetrating... Also take the opportunity to spray some penetrating oil into the caliper caliper and also soak the plunger... You may need to unlock it before doing this: you can press the brake pedal to loosen it.

Step 3. Assemble the brake caliper.

After cleaning the parts with penetrating oil, replace the caliper seals and possibly the piston bellows if damaged. Then you can assemble the caliper... But it's not over yet! You still have to pump brake fluid... When bleeding is over, add brake fluid and check the brake system.

Now you know how to recognize the symptoms of a jammed brake caliper. Remember that braking problems are especially dangerous! Go through our garage comparator to repair your brakes and drive safely.