Brake Caliper Replacement

Let us first know what exactly are brake calipers? Brake calipers are simply levers that pull out the brake cable and activate the brakes to make a vehicle stop. Brake calipers stop functioning properly or get locked when either the position of the brake pads descends and results in over extension of the piston in the caliper or when the brake fluid gets contaminated due to continuous use and lack of regular maintenance of the vehicle. This is one of the most common car brake problems. In such cases, brake caliper replacement is important as there is no point in putting undue pressure on the piston and creating additional car problems. To prevent such a thing, read the simple procedure mentioned here.

Procedure for Replacing a Brake Caliper

You will require a screwdriver, jack, approximately half inch sockets, drip pan, a set of spanners, lug wrench, brake bleeder, new pair of calipers and ½ inch drive air gun.

Here we go:

• The first step is to lift the vehicle on a jack and remove the wheels.
• Then, take a screwdriver and spread the brake pads.
• Now in order to push back the piston to its ideal position, put the screwdriver into the hole located at the top of the caliper and just pull it towards yourself.
• Take the drip pan and place it beneath the caliper.
• Next, you will find a bolt which holds the caliper and the brake line. So now you need to remove it and also remove the pair of copper seal washers present on the sides of the bolt.
• There are also bolts that hold the caliper to the support brackets, so have them removed.
• Finally dislodge the caliper and the brake pads.
• Take out the new caliper and place the brake pads into it. Position the new caliper into its place and tighten all the necessary bolts along with the copper washers.
• The next step is to apply the brake bleeders to the caliper before fitting the wheel back to its position.
• Follow the same steps for the other side.

Rear Brake Caliper Replacement

The procedure of rear brake caliper replacement is very much similar to the above procedure. You need to take out the rear wheels and install new rear brake calipers, discarding the old ones.

Useful Tips

• Always prefer to replace the brake calipers of both the sides of your vehicle so that there is uniformity in the brake performance.
• See that the entire brake system is flushed while replacing the calipers.
• On completing the replacement procedure, check if the vehicle stops properly and does not slide in either of the directions. Make sure that the vehicle stops in a straight line.
• See that you place a couple of blocks behind the rear wheel, so that the vehicle does not move back.

Remember, by learning the procedure yourself, you are saving the cost incurred in getting it done from a mechanic. Car repair charges can come at an exorbitant price nowadays hence it better you learn some do-it-yourself maintenance. Moreover, the next time any of your friends have problems with this activity, you can explain the procedure to them and if necessary assist them in doing it.