It's Brake Time (Brake Calipers)
November 14, 2021
Race car drivers have demonstrated the advantages of disc brakes, so most modern vehicles use them. Sometimes just the front wheels have disc brakes, but many vehicles now have them all the way around.
A major component of the disc brake is called a caliper. It works by squeezing brake pads against the disc or rotor, kind of like a bicycle hand brake. The brake pads themselves are what contact the rotor, causing friction to build and the wheel to slow down, but it's the calipers that apply the pressure to the pads.
Caliper design has evolved over the years, and there are two common types. One is called a floating caliper. It has one or two pistons on one side of the disc. When you push down the brake pedal, the piston or pistons in your caliper put pressure on that one side. A mechanism connected on the other side of the disc applies pressure as well, squeezing your disc so the vehicle stops. Floating calipers are less expensive since they have fewer parts.
The other type is called a fixed caliper. They use pistons on both sides of the disc, sometimes several. They are often used in more high-performance or heavy-duty vehicles.
Calipers can have rubber seals to keep out dirt, debris and moisture, but when that rubber wears out, sometimes the calipers can get contaminated. They can stick or start leaking; they can even rust. Then your caliper can get stuck applying that "squeeze" when you are not pressing on the brake pedal. Or they can get stuck in the other position, not applying stopping power when you press the pedal.
When this happens, it's not unusual to feel your vehicle pull to one side when you brake. You might notice a burning smell from the constant friction if the caliper is stuck on, plus you may feel the heat from the wheel after you park and get out of your vehicle. Sometimes you'll hear a high-pitched sound or clunk if your calipers are binding up.
That's your cue to have them checked out at your vehicle service center. If your calipers aren't working correctly, it can be a safety hazard. Sticking calipers can affect your ability to steer and stop; this is the kind of "brake time" you need so you can get them back on track and working properly.
Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak
3110 Rochester Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan 48073
248-585-0980
http://www.toptechautorepairroyaloak.com
Need Service?
More articles from Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak

Round and Round (Wheel Balancing)
March 30, 2025
In a perfect world, all wheels and tires would be perfectly round and weigh exactly the same at every point of the wheel. Unfortunately, they're not, and if they're out of balance, they can reduce the lifespan of your tires, make your vehicle shake like a carnival ride, and maybe even damage a f... More

Reaching the Braking Point (Brake hose replacement)
March 23, 2025
If you notice your brakes arent working like they used to, thats the kind of thing thats important to have checked out soon. Thats because your brakes are extraordinarily important to the safe operation of your vehicle. Sometimes you feel like your brake pedal is feeling a little soft or its lo... More

Motor Oil?The Synthetic Advantage (Synthetic oil vs Conventional)
March 16, 2025
Youve probably already heard that regular oil changes are extremely important for the health of your vehicles engine. Thats sound advice. But what you might not know is when it comes to motor oil, the real thing may not be the best thing for your engine. There are different types of motor oil: ... More