Apr 28, 2020
Have you noticed that your brakes keep sticking? If so, this is down to a problem with your brake calipers. Brake calipers have been designed to squeeze the brake pads against the surface of the brake discs to slow or stop your vehicle. They are essential to your car’s ability to stop and are arguably one of the most important brake parts.
If you find that your vehicle pulls more to one side when braking, or that the brakes do not fully release when you take your foot off the pedal, then you have a problem with your brake caliper. But what causes brake calipers to stick and how do you fix the problem?
Brake hoses can often wear out, causing a small piece of brake hose to break off leaving a small piece attached to the main part of the hose. This then creates a valve that allows brake fluid to flow in only one way, meaning the fluid can no longer return to the master cylinder. In turn, this causes the brake caliper to stick, pulling the vehicle to one side.
When you use the brake pedal, there are grooves located in the caliper that hold on the brake pads and allows them to slide. In some cases, the brake pad shims can get stuck in these grooves, get corroded or debris can become built up in them, causing the pads not to be able to slide correctly and your car brakes start sticking.
Brake caliper bolts have slides on them that need to be lubricated, and have a protective layer on them to keep the lubrication in. However, sometimes they can be torn when new brake pads are installed. As well as the bolts drying out and rusting, debris can seep in resulting in the brake calipers to not slide like they should and in extreme cases, will cause sticking in your car brakes.
In some cases, brake sticking can be caused by the piston. A piston has a rubber boot around it which is designed to protect, seal and lubricate the piston. When replacing the brake pads, the boot can be easily torn allowing debris to build up inside the caliper and the piston cannot slide smoothly. Resulting in your car brake’s sticking.
To help stop your car brakes from sticking you need to take care of your brakes. Replace your brake pads and top up brake fluid when you need to. In doing so, you will reduce the risk of any problems with your brake caliper. Brake calipers will last the life of the vehicle or close to it, and sometimes brake caliper problems can be hard to diagnose.
If you have been experiencing sticking brakes, MyCarNeedsA.com are here to help. Enter your details with us, and we will gather quotes from mechanics in your area who can help diagnose and fix your brake problem. Get your quote today! www.mycarneedsa.com/get-a-quote/
