Auto Mechanics | Blog | 5 Signs of Brake Caliper Repair
5 Signs of a Brake Caliper Repair
Brake calipers are responsible for applying pressure to your brake pads against your rotors. If they become seized, it can cause premature damage to both your brake rotors and pads.
Here's a few signs you should have your brake calipers repaired or replaced:
Vehicle Pulls to One Side
If your vehicle pulls to one side while braking, this could be a sticky or seized caliper. Your brakes should apply even pressure on both sides. If a caliper is worn or seized and the inner piston has been pushed to its maximum, it may stay stuck in that position. This means constant pressure on your rotor and likely a caliper service issue.
Squealing or Metallic Noise
The squealing or metallic sound we're talking about here is different to brake pad wear. When a brake caliper sticks or begins to seize the squeal is likely to be heard when the brakes are not being applied. When a caliper becomes completely seized, it could cause extensive and expensive damage to other brake components.
Uneven Brake Pad Wear
It is rare that both calipers will seize at the exact same time. This means one side of your vehicles brake pads will wear faster then the other. This causes uneven brake wear and will likely hear a squeal from one side of the vehicle rather then both. It's a much better fix and less expensive to catch a bad caliper early.
Leaking Brake Fluid
Hydraulic pressure enables your brake calipers to operate to your vehicles specifications. If you notice leaking brake fluid around your tires, (on the ground) or inside the wheel / rim, this may suggest a leaky caliper or brake line and requires immediate service.
Clunking Sound
To hear a clunking sound from your brakes is alarming. Although rare, the caliper mount that holds the caliper in position may fault and will cause the clunking sound As a result, your wheels may lock up and your vehicle should not be driven in these cases.
Seized Brake Caliper
If not regularly serviced, brake caliper sliders, piston and bolts can seize and stick. To extend the life of your brake calipers, a standard brake caliper service should be performed with each brake pad replacement. Schedule service for any signs of brake caliper repair.
Brake Caliper Repair Cost
Brake caliper repair cost will vary depending on your vehicle.
It is also dependent on whether a caliper can be serviced or needs a rebuild or replacement.
For an accurate brake caliper repair estimate, the best solution is to bring your vehicle in for inspection.
Alternatively, tell us your vehicle type and the experience you're having with your brakes and we'll provide the most accurate brake quote possible.
In general, across all makes and models:
The average brake caliper replacement cost is $197.00 - $1091.00 (both front calipers).
And brake caliper service is approximately $55 - 90 (per side).
Again, these prices vary depending on the extent of service to get your calipers in proper working condition.
As mentioned above, when servicing your brake calipers, it is not a good idea to replace only the worn out side. Both sides should be serviced at the same time.
A brake caliper applying more pressure to one side of the vehicle may create uneven brake pad wear and vehicle pulling.
When it comes to braking power, you want both sides equal.
Here are some estimates for diagnosing a brake caliper repair. These estimates are indicative only:
Honda Civic brake inspection: $35 - $75
Honda Accord brake inspection: $45 - $80
Acura TL brake inspection: $47 - $85
Toyota Camry brake inspection: $42 - $83
Chevrolet Impala brake inspection: $35 - $82
Nissan Altima brake inspection: $35 - $65
Ford F-150 brake inspection: $45 - $90
Brake Caliper Repair - Summary
At this point you should have a better idea if you need a brake caliper repair.
Armed with this information and symptoms, you can better understand whether your caliper needs attention or it's another brake repair you might need.
We aim at simplifying the decision for a fix and pinpoint the problem.
When in doubt, contact our mechanics or schedule service at one of our locations near you.
