Have A Sticking Brake Caliper? Check Out What Could Be Causing It

Your vehicle's braking system is critical in guaranteeing your safety while on the road. The brake calipers are a critical component of your car's braking system and require close attention. When in excellent condition, it should press on the brake pads, creating a force that makes your car stop. Over time the brake seals can fail for different reasons. Here are some of the common causes.

The Brake Caliper Could Be Sliding

Your car's brake pads are attached to the grooves on the brake caliper. This ensures they slide without any problem when braking. If the brake pad shims aren't properly attached to the groove, which is the case when they have attracted dust, the brake pads won't function properly. This can leave them stuck after pressing the brake pedal. In such a case, you don't have to source new clippers. Cleaning and replacing the damaged shims will help address your issue.

The Parking Brake Cable Could Be Stuck 

When your car brake caliper sticks, the problem may arise from the emergency brake. This brake mechanism relies on the caliper to ensure your car doesn't roll after activating it from the passenger area. So, when the emergency brakes have rust or begin to wear out, they won't release quickly after deactivating them. When this happens, expect the brake caliper to stick.

There's Rust Buildup on the Piston Boot

The caliper piston is designed to ensure that it applies enough force to the brake pad so that your vehicle lowers the speed. Understand that these pistons feature a rubber boot which ensures that foreign particles don't enter your car brake system. If the boot is faulty, it will allow dirt to attach to the piston. Eventually, the piston will rust and fail to move at all. When this happens, the brake pads will attach to the brake disc. Removing the rust build-up and changing the boot can help resolve this issue.

The Bolts On the Caliper Could Be Stuck

If the brake caliper bolts are stuck, you should expect the brake caliper to be sticky. The bolts are designed to ensure the caliper works correctly when braking. They even come with rubber guards that prevent dirt and dust build-up. When the rubber boots start wearing out, they allow rust to form around the bolts, causing them to stick.

As a car owner, you should expect to experience sticky brakes at one point or another. Brakes play a critical role in ensuring your safety while on the road. So whenever you face any issues, visit an auto repair shop.

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