High Performance Disc Brake Calipers

By Author: michaelveemn
Total Articles: 5
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Disc Brake Caliper:

The brake caliper is the assembly which houses the brake pads and pistons. The pistons are generally made of plastic, aluminium or chrome-plated steel. The caliper bracket is used to maintain the proper alignment of the caliper in relation to the rotor. The Caliper brackets are usually rectangular in shape and are located in the front or the rear of the rotor.

Function:
The Caliper puts pressure (friction) onto the rotors to make the vehicle stop. When you press the brake pedal, the brake fluid is pushed through the brake lines and hoses, into the calipers and this pressure pushes the piston inside the caliper onto the brake pads. The pads then press against the rotors and stop the wheels from spinning.

Two types of Calipers are,
A fixed caliper does not move relative to the disc and is thus less dependent with disc imperfections. It uses one or multiple , single or pairs of opposing pistons to clamp from each side of the disc, and is high complicated and expensive compared with a floating caliper.

A floating caliper (also called a "sliding caliper") moves with ...
... respect to the disc, along a line parallel to the axis of rotation of the disc, a piston on one side of the disc pushes the inner brake pad until it makes contact with the braking surface, then pulls the caliper body with the outer brake pad so pressure is applied to both sides of the disc.

Failure:
Brake Caliper failure is a common issue. The cause for faillures are many. The piston can extend too far from excessive brake pad wear and the piston(s) can become stuck or the seals can tear. The calipers also become “frozen” because of overheated brakes and they will become faulty. The seals can simply get old and dry and they will leak fluid.

Effects of failure :
The braking efficiency of the caliper may be affected if brackets crack or become twisted as they the proper alignment of the caliper will be incorrect to the rotor. If the caliper goes bad, The vehicle will not stop properly or, the rotors may “lock” the wheel and make the vehicle feel like it is has no power.

Common Tips :
The Brake calipers should be inspected every time the oil is changed in the vehicle's engine to identify the issues.