8 Signs of a Faulty Brake Caliper

Apr 7
02:00

2022

Emily Sara

Emily Sara

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Are you aware that a failing MOT test might be caused by a malfunctioning brake calliper? Check MOT status of your car and schedule an appointment with a reliable car garage in Reading to have a mechanic inspect your brake calipers and fix or replace them if necessary.

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You know that your brake pads need to be replaced on a regular basis to guarantee that you stop when you press the brake pedal,8 Signs of a Faulty Brake Caliper Articles but you rarely think about the brake calipers.

While the brake calipers are supposed to last the life of the car, they might break down at any time.

Are you aware that a faulty brake caliper will cause your MOT test to fail? So, how can you tell if your brake calliper is faulty? Let's have a look at the warning signs.

These are the most common, but not all, signs that your brake calliper is failing. Here's a more complete list of the most typical faulty brake calliper symptoms:

1. Vehicle pulls to one side

The seized brake calliper does not retract on its own. As a result of this problem, the brake pad is constantly dragging on the disc. The car begins to pull to the side where the brakes are applied as a result of this. Because of the damaged caliper, one-wheel travels slower than the other. This can cause other braking system components to fail so it is recommended that you book an appointment with a car garage in Reading to repair the issue.

2. Dragging

Even though your foot isn't on the brake pedal, the brake pads are forced on the disc when the brake calipers jams. The dragging sensation is caused by the friction. It's comparable to braking, except you're attempting to drive, which may be inconvenient. It may feel as though you're fighting your car simply to get ahead. This will also cause wear on your brake pads and brake discs so to avoid an unnecessary large repair bill, book your car in with a garage in Reading to rectify the issue.

3. Reduced stopping power

When any portion of the braking system fails, including the brake calipers, braking power may be reduced. When your braking power is decreased, your chances of being involved in an accident rise. As a result, it's critical to address any brake difficulties as soon as possible.

4. Uneven brake pad wear

You may detect uneven pad wear if the calipers slider pins start to stick. This problem can also be caused by a blocked piston. In either situation, the pad is only partly placed and drags around the disc, resulting in faster and uneven wear. Brake calipers that are worn out can lead you to burn through pads more frequently. Check MOT history of your vehicle to determine if the uneven brake pad wear was a reason for failure in the past and if repairing or replacing the faulty brake caliper was missed.

5. Leaking brake fluid

Brake fluid is supposed to stay put in the reservoir. If at all, you should just need to add more. However, if the brake calipers are damaged, fluid leakage may occur. Hydraulic fluid is used to actuate the callipers. You may see leaks coming from the bleeder screw or the piston seal because they're jammed. On the inner of the tyre, look for a damp, oily area on the ground.

6. Soft or spongy brake pedal

A spongy or soft pedal might be caused by a jammed caliper. Leaking braking fluid, overheated pads, or air in the lines might all contribute to this problem. Apart from that, a seized calliper might generate extra clearance between the disc and the pad, resulting in an odd pedal sensation.

7. Weird noises

As your brake calliper sticks, you may hear a variety of noises. You may hear excessive clunking noises if the calliper bracket that holds the calliper fails. Furthermore, the brakes on that wheel may lock up. You can also hear some noises that sound similar to when your brake pads are worn out. The most noticeable change is that this noise may be heard even when the brakes are not used. If the calliper continues to stick, the brake pads and discs will wear down, resulting in a metallic grinding sound.

8. Unusual smell

When a calliper becomes jammed, the brake pad is subjected to continual pressure. As your pads are used more frequently, they become heated. After all, brake pads aren't supposed to be engaged all of the time. It's possible that the faulty caliper causes a burning chemical smell as you get out of the vehicle. As the brake pads heated up, the material began to degrade, releasing foul smells.