Diagnose a Bad Brake Caliper in Your Old Car

 

The brake calipers are one of the essential components of the braking system of the car. It holds the car's brake pads and pistons and its main job is to slow down the wheels by creating friction with the brake rotors. Let us first discuss the functioning of the brake calipers.

The function of brake calipers

The brake caliper is an important part of the disc brake system. They work together with the brake pads, rotors, and the other components of the hydraulic system to slow and stop the car. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake fluid pressure is forced through the master cylinder to the caliper along the brake lines and hoses.

With the assistance of the pistons, the caliper converts the hydraulic pressure in the brake system into the mechanical force which presses the brake pads against the brake disc. As a result, the friction at the brake increases, and the moving car either slows down or completely comes to a halt.

Analyze the piston movement

When the brakes are applied, the piston should push on one of the brake pads, causing the caliper to float. Since a second brake pad connects to the floating part of the caliper, the two brake pads squeeze the rotor, causing it to stop rotating. If the brake pad in front of the piston doesn't try to move when the brakes are applied, there's a problem with the piston. It's best to replace the caliper as a unit if the piston is bad.

Note

By following the steps above, you will have a better chance of locating the problem yourself, which can save you a lot of time and money. Keeping your brake system in top condition can be a challenge, but at the same time, it is a necessity to be safe while driving on the road. And if your car is about to break and you feel like getting a new one, cash for scrap cars Auckland can help youget a profitable deal on both the old and new.