The brake caliper, along with the brake pads and rotors, is an important part of a disc brake system, but is often overlooked when it comes to brake maintenance. While replacing rotors and brake pads is part of routine brake maintenance, what about brake calipers? When replacing the rotors, should you replace these to ensure they operate safely and efficiently? Brake rotors can last up to 90,000 kilometers, but according to several experts, there is no need to replace the calipers if they are in good condition.
The job of the calipers in the braking system is to use hydraulic pressure from the brake lines to push the caliper pistons, which then press the brake pads against the rotors to slow the vehicle. Brake calipers tend to last a long time, much longer than brake pads and rotors, with some experts claiming they can last between 75,000 and 100,000 miles, or roughly 7 to 10 years. You will probably need three or four sets of brake pads before you need to replace your car’s brake calipers. How long brake calipers last is obviously affected by the driving environment and how well they are maintained. It is recommended to clean and lubricate the brake calipers regularly and replace the brake pads if they are worn, as worn brake pads can cause overheating and damage the brake calipers.
What are the signs that the brake caliper needs to be replaced?
Although brake calipers can be restored and even given a fresh new look by refinishing, most experts recommend replacing them because restorations can be time-consuming and replacements are often reasonably priced. When replacing the brake calipers, it is important to replace them in pairs. For example, if the front left brake caliper is defective, you must replace the front right brake caliper at the same time. This ensures even braking, because a new brake caliper has more braking power than an old one. Since both calipers would have experienced similar wear and tear, the older caliper will likely fail soon. Replacing brake calipers isn’t something you need to do often, but keeping an eye on their condition will ensure better braking and a safer journey.
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