Is My Brake Caliper Working Properly?
Mar 20, 2018 - 1 minute read
Explaining Brake Calipers to Clarksville Area Drivers
The brake calipers work together with the brake pads and rotors to slow and stop the vehicle. When you push on the brake pedal, brake fluid pressure is pushed through the master cylinder to the caliper, which extends the piston and pushes the brake pads up against the rotor.
Thus, without the caliper, there's no stopping. The problem? As time passes and your car gets a bit older, the calipers are subject to heat damage. This can interfere with the braking and make driving rather unsafe (in terms of general handling as well). So, how can you tell you need to replace a caliper?
Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Caliper
We at Apple Ford Lincoln are here to keep you on the road for years to come. So, here's what you need to look out for:
Brake fluid leaks: a rubber seal and boot keep the fluid from leaking out; over time, these seals will wear out and leak. Any leaks from the caliper will hinder stopping greatly...and make a bit of a mess.
Abnormal sounds: if you hear a high-pitched noise or a sudden thud when braking, the caliper may be binding, sticking, or loosening. Any of the aforementioned conditions can lead to premature brake wear.
Vehicle Pulling: Since calipers are exposed to extreme heat quite often, the caliper piston may sometimes seize. A seized caliper piston cannot automatically retract; thus, your car will drag to the side with the damaged caliper.
Working brake calipers are required to maintain your safety. If you think your car is suffering from damaged calipers, feel free to schedule a service appointment with our Ford service center near Clarksville at (866) 695-6642. We'll have your car back to you in no time!
If you're a real handy guy or gal (i.e. professional mechanic) and trust yourself to fix your own brakes, feel free to take a look at our genuine Ford parts for Clarksville area drivers. We've got the best deals on OEM parts!