brake caliper for your car

Function and use of the brake caliper (brake caliper) in a modern vehicle

There are different implementations and functionalities of the brake calipers in modern vehicles. As a rule, it is a car part with one or more pistons that are actuated by the hydraulic system of the brakes when the brake pedal is pressed. Their movement causes the brake pads to press on the brake disc, which rotates with the associated wheel. The brake pressure converts the kinetic energy of the wheel into thermal energy, slowing down the wheel's rotation.

The brake caliper is subject to less wear and tear than, for example, the brake pads, which are subject to abrasion with every braking operation. Nevertheless, the brake caliper is exposed to a number of hardships and external influences, which contribute to the gradual wear of the material. As a rule, brake calipers as automotive parts do not have to be replaced as often as brake discs and brake pads, but a brake caliper will hardly last the entire life of the vehicle. A failure of the caliper must be avoided as a matter of urgency, as in the worst case no braking force is implemented at all and the car continues to roll on one or both sides unbraked.

Recognizing defects and damage to a brake caliper

In order to ensure that the brake calipers as car parts are permanently intact, a regular look at the entire braking system is necessary. Especially if your car is permanently parked on the open road, external influences such as rust or dirt can have an impact on the condition of the brake calipers and their braking power. Mechanical damage after an accident or a collision with objects on the road or off-road is also conceivable.

While the replacement of brake discs or brake pads as car parts is primarily considered when braking power decreases, the brake caliper can also have a negative impact on the braking distance. After replacing the car parts mentioned, it is necessary to check whether the brake pads are optimally tensioned by the brake caliper or whether the braking force is still too low. In many cases, replacing individual pistons is sufficient to achieve optimal pressure distribution on the brake pads. In order to gain maximum safety with every braking process, it is advisable to completely replace the brake calipers, which should be done in pairs on the same axle.