A guide to brake callipers
Thursday 24th August 2023
Your brake callipers are the part of your vehicle that houses your brakes and are responsible for applying the necessary pressure to your brake pads, to help your vehicle come to a stop. It’s important your brake callipers are kept in good condition, in order to keep your brakes working safely.
At Formula One Autocentres, our fully trained brake specialists are qualified to diagnose and treat any concerns you may have regarding your brakes. We offer a free brake check service, so you can have peace of mind that your brakes are working as they should be.
What are brake callipers?
Your brake callipers hold your brake pads and pistons in place. Their main function is to slow your vehicle, which they do by clamping onto your brake disc to stop the wheels from turning when you activate the brake pedal.
Can you drive with a broken brake calliper?
If you suspect one of your brake callipers is damaged, you should not continue to drive with it as it can be incredibly dangerous. It can also cause damage to other parts of your brakes, like your brake pads and pistons, if you continue to drive on it.
How to spot a faulty brake calliper
If you experience any of the following symptoms, we recommend bringing your vehicle in for a brake check where our qualified technicians will be more than happy to diagnose and repair the problem.
Symptom 1: Uneven braking
Uneven braking means your vehicle will pull to one side when you apply the brakes. This could be a sign of a number of problems, including a misalignment of your wheels. It could also indicate that your brake callipers are faulty or have seized.
Symptom 2: Spongy brake pedal
If your brakes feel less responsive or require more effort to engage, it can be caused by faulty brake callipers. This is due to an extra release of air or a leak of brake fluid, which results in a loss of hydraulic pressure.
Symptom 3: Excessive brake pad wear
You should check your brake pads regularly. If you find that one is significantly more worn than the other, it could indicate an issue with the corresponding calliper. A stuck or seized calliper can cause the brake pad to constantly rub against the brake disc, leading to uneven wear.
Symptom 4: Overheated brakes
Faulty callipers can cause excessive heat buildup in the braking system. If you smell burning or notice smoke coming from your wheels after driving or braking, it could indicate that your brakes are overheating. This can be caused by excess pressure on the brake pads from the calliper.
Symptom 5: Sticky brakes
A calliper that is not returning to its original position after your brakes have been applied will create a sticking or dragging sensation while you’re driving. This can result in a number of problems, such as increased wear and tear and increased fuel consumption.
If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to get your brake system inspected quickly! Book a free brake check, or find your nearest local centre today.
