Posted: 03/25/2022
If you're wondering how to repair disc brake calipers, it is important to follow the correct steps. Faulty brakes can cause severe accidents, and compared to most auto repair techniques, it's a relatively simple and straightforward process, especially compared to the process of replacing common parts like alternators or air conditioning kits. Here are some tips to do it right. This might be a job best left to a professional, and if you'd like to go that route, you can use our search tool to find a repair shop near you.
The first step in repairing a brake caliper is to remove the wheel and tire, preferably taking them off of the car. Make sure the wheels for which you'll be replacing brake pads are off, and jack up the vehicle. It’s always better to use jack stands rather than just relying on the jack, but if you don’t have jack stands, a jack will suffice.
If the brake disc is stuck, the caliper may have frozen. If you can, jack up the vehicle on the corner where the problem brake caliper is located. Loosen the bleeder screw, which is typically located on the rear of the caliper. Next, use two large screwdrivers to unscrew the caliper from the rotor. You'll need to remove the caliper to inspect it for possible problems.
If the caliper has seized, you should back out the screw using the C-clamp and gently apply air pressure to the brake hose port. Then, carefully unscrew the C-clamp, then remove the caliper from the rotor. It's important to remove the caliper from the rotor before you attempt any repairs. It may be tempting to attempt repairing the brake caliper while it’s still attached, but we’d advise against this. Once you've removed the caliper, you can check the condition of the rotor and reinstall it.
In addition to checking the rotor, you should also check the piston itself. This is the part that makes the disc brake work. The rotor should rotate freely after applying the brake pedal. If the caliper has seized, replace it with a new one. Afterward, the piston should be able to slide back into the cylinder. To make sure that the caliper is functioning properly, you should clean the caliper using a damp towel or rag. Then, you can reconnect the rotor.
Most of the disc brake services begin with a routine inspection or a customer complaint about the brakes. If the caliper is seized, the brake pad or rotor may have seized. The bleeder screw should be cleaned and replaced if it has seized. It is also crucial to keep the bleeder screw clean. It may need to be replaced if it is clogged. If the bleeder screw is clogged, it should be removed and reinstalled.
In the case of the caliper, the piston should be square with the bore. If the piston is not square, you can use a wooden 2x4 plank or similar flat, hard materials to ensure that the piston is square. If the caliper is not square, the guide pins must be lubricated. A new caliper bracket will dampen the noise from the squealing brake pads.
Once the piston is square, you can install brake pads, reconnect the caliper with the vehicle and rotor, and put the wheel back on. Repeat the process for all wheels in need of brake caliper repair, and you should be good to get back on the road! Note that, after installing new brake pads or replacing calipers, you may need to pump the brake pedal a few times to reestablish brake pressure, so be sure to try that before you start driving again.
