5 Signs You Need to Have Your Brake Calipers Inspected

Your car's brakes are complex pieces of machinery that use many different parts, and the calipers are particularly important. When your brake pedal is depressed, it is the job of the calipers to slow the vehicle's wheels by creating friction against the rotors. That makes the brake calipers vital to safe driving.

A worn or damaged caliper will inhibit your braking ability, but this change often takes place too gradually for drivers to notice. Luckily, there are several other warning signs that you can be on the watch for.

Here are just five.

1. Squealing or Squeaking

One of the most common problems that occurs with brake calipers is excessive wear. When this occurs, the cushioning that exists between caliper and rotor will be worn away; when the two are pressed together during braking, you're likely to hear an unpleasant squealing or squeaking sound.

2. Pulling to One Side

It's quite rare for your brake calipers to be worn out at equal rates. If one is more worn than the other, one of your wheels will be enjoying more braking force. This will mean that one wheel is being slowed down faster, so you could notice the vehicle pulling to one side when you need to slow down.

3. Decreased Efficiency

Excessive wear isn't the only problem that can affect your calipers. The caliper pistons can also start to seize up, meaning they won't be able to properly retract and will exert constant pressure on the wheel. Your engine will be working just as hard, but that caliper will be applying constant braking force – not enough to keep the vehicle from moving, but enough to put a dint in your fuel efficiency.

4. Warm Rims

When a caliper piston has seized up and is lying against the rotors during normal driving, even just a little bit, an enormous amount of friction is created. This is obviously bad for your vehicle, but it does leave a tell-tale sign: hot rims. If your caliper pistons are rubbing against the rotors, you should find that the rim of the affected wheel is noticeably hot to the touch.

5. Fluid Leaks

Your calipers are operated using the pressure created by brake fluid. Unfortunately, constant exposure to the intense heat produced during braking can lead to the seals wearing out and leaking. If the caliper leaks brake fluid the vehicle will not be able to stop as effectively. If you think you might have caliper problems, check your brake fluid levels.