How do you know when you have a stickin caliper?

blackstarpower · Post by **blackstarpower** » 09 Jun 2007, 07:13

I was just curious as to what the symptoms were for a sticking caliper. I am getting ready to do my brakes and am gathering parts.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Jun 2007, 08:26

Wheel on the side sticking will usually make a sound and vibrate your steering wheel, also pulling your car in the direction of the sticking caliper...if on the front. If on the rear, the car will pull in the opposite direction but things won't be as obvious. Intermittent sticking is harder to diagnose. Also, when you look at the pads on the side of the sticking caliper when you change your brakes, you'll notice considerably more wear and probably uneven wear. Good luck!

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 09 Jun 2007, 12:13

If a rear caliper that is sticking you will notice rust on the surface of the rotor. Most parts stores have rebuilt calipers.

Post by **Pauloil** » 10 Jun 2007, 19:45

infared thermometer
temp difference bet sides

Black850 · Post by **Black850** » 11 Jun 2007, 06:56

Depends on how bad its sticking. Usually when driving u can hear a "whooshing sound" and after a drive, there's considerable heat from the wheel well of whatever caliper is sticking

blackstarpower · Post by **blackstarpower** » 11 Jun 2007, 09:53

What causes a caliper to stick and is there any maintenance trick you can do to alleviate the sticking? Also, what do you think about the repair kits and do they work? Repair kits cost about 1/4 the price of a new caliper.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 11 Jun 2007, 10:23

What causes a caliper to stick and is there any maintenance trick you can do to alleviate the sticking?

Normally it is caused either by rust or debris on the caliper or the caliper bracket. It can also be caused by stuck or rusted caliper bolts. If you clean and lubricate the mating surfaces with a thin layer of brake grease and also lubricate the pins they shouldn't stick.

As far as the repair kits go, they usually do work but you really need to hone out the cylinders to make them right.

Are you sure you need to rebuild or replace your calipers? So long as the car stops and they don't leak they should be fine.

Beyond service replacement of the pads and/or rotors what other brake problems are you trying to solve?

...Lee