Everything You Need to Know About Brake Callipers

You need your car to move but you realize that the braking isn't as effective as it used to be. Your expert then tells you the bad news: your brake callipers are at the end of their life.

The time to replace them has then come and this means increasing the bill for the maintenance of your vehicle.

What Is A Brake Calliper? How Does It Work?

Before looking at the specific information about a brake calliper for replacement, it is important to learn about the definition of this part and how it works. We are here to help you see things more clearly.

Definition

First of all, we can see that there are several types of brake callipers. Floating, fixed, ring, or sliding, these models differ in how they will act on the brake disc, but their overall operation remains the same.

To put it simply, the braking system is made up of a few elements. At the level of the wheel, we note the presence of an integral disc which turns as fast as the wheel, and above, we have the brake calliper which is fixed and does not turn.

 How Does A Brake Calliper Work?

 This calliper is connected to the pedal of your vehicle by a hydraulic system, that is to say, the brake fluid is present in a cable connecting the pedal to the calliper through a closed system (the fluid cannot escape).

When you step on the pedal, the force of your foot will compress the brake fluid. This pressure force will be transformed into mechanical force through pistons in the brake calliper and will create movement. This movement will cause your brake pads to rub against the brake disc and slow your vehicle down.

The proper functioning of this system is essential when driving, it allows you to control the braking power and stay safe.

When And How To Replace A Brake Calliper?

Before embarking on the change of a mechanical part, it is essential to identify the problem, and its source and to think of the solution. It is normal for a mechanical part to break down one day.

Quickly, we ask ourselves questions about the part: When should the brake calliper be changed? How to identify brake calliper failures? Can you repair your brake calliper?

 When Should A Brake Calliper Be Replaced?

Several signs can alarm you during a breakdown related to a brake calliper on your car. Among the symptoms, you can hear abnormal noises during the braking phases, such as squeaks, whistles, or even friction noises.

A breakdown can also be manifested by overheating, fluid leakage or premature wear of the disc and/or brake pads, or even by the vibration of the wheels during the braking phases.

This is usually due to calliper wear and can be caused by deformation of the part or a problem related to the pistons directly such as corrosion. This affects the braking capacity of the vehicle, so it is important to react without delay.

 Is It Possible To Replace Your Brake Calliper Yourself?

It is of course possible to change your brake callipers if you have the right tools and above all the technical and mechanical knowledge to carry out this operation. It is important to note that it will be necessary to bleed the braking system when changing this part.

To change your brake calliper, you must start by raising the car with jack stands and removing all the wheels from the vehicle. Be careful to remember to remove the handbrake depending on the position of the callipers you want to replace (front or rear).

Start the replacement by removing the brake pads and brake hose, then remove the calliper retainers. Remember to spread the calliper pistons as far apart as possible to avoid damaging the mechanism and prevent any leaks.

Then attach the new calliper the same way you removed it (reversing the steps) then reconnect the brake hose. Then bleed the brakes before reassembling the wheels.

If you are not comfortable with these manipulations, do not hesitate to contact a specialist so as not to risk damaging your vehicle or putting yourself in danger on the road.

 

How Much Does A Brake Calliper Cost? How Much Does It Cost?

A brake calliper is not the most expensive mechanical part of a vehicle. It is possible to find new models for a hundred euros on the market (not counting the installation).

Depending on the model, this price may vary. In addition to that the diagnosis of a professional quickly represents a substantial sum, but this budget can be reduced!

On the second-hand parts market, it is possible to find fully functional reuse brake callipers, taken from end-of-life vehicles and which help to lower the bill.

We also note that the brake callipers can be adapted to different vehicles, which increases the chances of finding a part corresponding to your car. 

Where To Buy A Used Brake Calliper?

When you think of the used part market, the first instinct is to turn to your local junkyard. These specialists will be able to help you find the part you need when it is available in their stocks.

However, this is not always the case and the fastest and easiest alternative today remains the internet to find reused brake callipers at the best price.

Do not hesitate to consult our catalog of second-hand brake calipers online, you will find the spare parts you need for an average price of around 70% cheaper than that of a part on the new market.

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