The caliper is an important component of your vehicle’s braking system. It is actually the part responsible for allowing your vehicle to slow down and stop when you press the brake pedal.
However, if you have a sticking caliper, your ability to stop may be reduced. You will notice that your caliper is sticking if the brake pedal does not fully return after you remove your foot from it.
You may also notice that your vehicle pulls more to the left or right after pressing the brake pedal. If you experience any of these symptoms with your vehicle, you likely have a sticking caliper.
Causes of a Sticking Caliper
There are several different reasons why your caliper is sticking. You don’t always have to replace the entire caliper, as that would cost you hundreds of dollars.
Instead, you should check if the problem comes from the caliper slides, the caliper bolts, or the caliper piston.
1. Caliper Slides
The caliper slides are the grooves in your caliper where the brake pads slide. If the brake pads get stuck in the grooves, it is likely due to debris or corrosion that has built up in the slides.
So, you simply need to clean the caliper slides or replace the brake pad shims. The only time you would need to replace the entire caliper is if the slides are completely worn out.
2. Caliper Bolts
Caliper bolts are another possible reason for a sticking caliper. These bolts have a protective rubber coating that could be torn.
Sometimes, the bolts break if they are overtightened by the mechanic who installed them. This will interfere with the caliper’s sliding process, causing them to stick.
3. Caliper Piston
In some cases, the caliper piston may be the problem. The piston has a protective rubber coating that can tear easily when replacing the vehicle’s brake pads. A piston with a torn coating will increase the amount of debris that accumulates in the caliper, causing it to stick.
The only way to fix this issue is to have the entire brake caliper assembly replaced.
The best thing you can do to avoid a sticking caliper is to take care of your brakes. This means periodically replacing your brake fluid and brake pads to ensure they are strong and your caliper is properly lubricated. If you do this, you should avoid problems. But if you ever notice your brakes sticking, take it to a repair shop immediately.