What are brake calipers and where are they located?

On vehicles with disc brakes, brake calipers are the movers (and hopefully not the shakers) that stop your car or truck when you step on the brake pedal. Most modern automobiles use disc brakes for the front and rear wheels, but some use drum brakes for the rear wheels. In disc brakes, when you press the brake pedal, the master cylinder pushes hydraulic fluid through the brake lines to the caliper. At the caliper, the fluid pushes brake caliper pistons that press the brake pads into the rotor. This slows down the rotor, which is attached to the wheel hub, stopping your vehicle. 

There is one brake caliper for each wheel that uses disc brakes. It sits on the caliper bracket holding the brake pads.

How do I know if my brake calipers need to be replaced?

Brake calipers are made of sturdy material to accomplish the hard job of stopping your car or truck. They still can wear out, though. They might corrode, leak fluid, or get stuck. Any of these problems will result in poor braking, which is extremely dangerous. 

If you are low on brake fluid frequently, then your brake system is probably leaking somewhere. If your brake pedal feels soft or pushes forward farther than normal, that may also be a sign of leaking brake fluid. If you see fluid around your caliper or the brake rotor, then the caliper may be the source of the leak.

Brake calipers can also stick, seize, or freeze. This can result from corrosion or lack of lubrication in the caliper slide pins. If only one caliper is stuck, then your car will tend to pull to one side during braking. A seized brake caliper also creates a lot of friction. If you suspect that you have a seized brake caliper, put your hand near—but not on—the brake rotor. If there is heat coming off the rotor, then you might have a stuck caliper.

Can I replace brake calipers myself?

Do-it-yourselfers with some prior brake experience can replace their own brake calipers, but the job may require an assistant. You will need to raise and secure the vehicle and have a catch pan ready for brake fluid. Then you can remove the wheel and tire and unbolt the caliper. Then you’ll have to separate the caliper from the brake lines. This is where the fluid comes out. While the caliper is off, you might want to replace the brake pads. Brake pads are exposed to the same stresses as disc brake calipers, and can get especially worn out if you have a stuck caliper. 

With all that done, you can connect the new caliper and bolt it on. Then have your assistant help you bleed the brakes (if you do not have an assistant, you can bleed the brakes by yourself using a vacuum bleeder). This calls for pumping the brakes until no more air comes out of the bleeder valve on the caliper. That helps ensure there’s good pressure in the brake line. 

Once the wheel and tire are securely on the vehicle, and the vehicle is back on the ground, you’ll want to pump the brake pedal repeatedly until it feels firm. That helps to reset the pistons. Then test your brakes at low speed before road-testing the vehicle. 

Need a brake caliper replacement?

Having properly functioning brakes on your vehicle is an absolute must for your own safety as well as for the safety of others. Since brake calipers are an important component of a vehicle’s disc brake system, if they are worn out, then replacement brake calipers are needed ASAP to keep your vehicle braking like it should and avoid any potential accidents. At 1A Auto, you will find a large selection of aftermarket brake calipers for many makes and models, and at great prices.

Brake calipers from 1A Auto are 100% brand new from the casting down to the bleeder screw! All of our calipers are updated with the latest technology to provide easy installation, great braking, and direct fit. For your convenience, 1A Auto carries a wide variety of calipers so finding the right part for the job is simple. If you are looking for the best selection, highest quality, search no more. Purchase your new brake calipers without the hassle of driving to the store and buy from 1A Auto today.

1A Auto Brake Caliper Features:

• - 100% brand new, not rebuilt, brake caliper.
• - Zinc Chromate plated for extra corrosion resistance.
• - Detailed installation instructions.

We also make shopping for a front and/or rear brake caliper replacement for your car, truck, SUV or van easy at 1A Auto - we're here to help you select the right part for your vehicle! Call our customer service toll free at 888-844-3393 if you have any questions about our aftermarket brake calipers, warranty, compatibility or to purchase, or you can buy online right here at 1aauto.com. Restore the safety of your vehicle and order a replacement brake caliper assembly from 1A Auto today!