Brake Caliper

A brake caliper is like a clamp that sits on the rotors of the wheel, it holds the brake pads and pistons. The caliper converts the hydraulic pressure into the mechanical force which is essential to make the brake pads come into contact with the disc brake. The piston usually being made up of plastic or aluminum. There two different types of the calipers, the floating and the fixed caliper.

Fixed caliper

The fixed caliper movement does not correlate with the disc which may cause it more problems when it comes to disc flaws. Also, the use of this caliper can be more complex and pricy than the floating caliper.

Floating caliper

The floating calipers movement correlates to the disc, as it goes parallel to the axis of rotation. The design of the caliper can cause sticking which is the result of debris entering the boot, infrequent use of the vehicle, and can caliper pads rubbing against the disc. It can lead to more problems like the vehicle lower fuel efficiency, overheating, and rapid wear.

Another type of floating caliper is the swinging caliper, using a single pivot bolt to move with the cars body. This design uses a pad that are narrower rear and in the front.

Issues with bad brake calipers

A bad brake caliper can make stopping the vehicle a lot harder, may produce screeching noises, and cause leaks.