Brake calipers used OE

Brake calipers used OE

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Brake calipers used OE

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What is a brake caliper and how does it work?

Crucial for safe deceleration, the brake caliper forms the heart of any disc brake system. Its primary function is deceptively simple: translating the hydraulic pressure generated by pressing the pedal into powerful mechanical stopping force.

Hydraulic fluid, channelled through the lines, acts directly upon the pistons housed within the unit. These pistons forcefully clamp the brake pads against the rotating disc/rotor. This resulting friction converts the wheel's kinetic energy into heat, ensuring the vehicle decelerates and halts effectively.

Calipers typically affix to the steering knuckle and come in two main designs. The most common is the floating caliper, which slides along guide pins. Fixed calipers, however, utilise pistons on both sides of the rotor and are typically reserved for high-performance applications.

Signs of a faulty brake caliper: seized, leaking, or loose?

A malfunctioning brake caliper compromises the entire hydraulic system, creating significant safety hazards. Malfunctions usually fall into three critical categories: seized, leaking, or loose.

A seized caliper, often caused by piston corrosion, immediately leads to brake binding. Symptoms include constant wheel drag, noticeable uneven braking, and a distinct pungent  burning odour resulting from extreme friction and heat.

A leaking caliper indicates a compromised internal seal or a fault at the brake line connection (often involving crush washers). This loss of brake fluid drastically diminishes the vehicle's stopping power.

Loose calipers are a dangerous mechanical defect causing excessive noise and severely degraded performance. Secondary signs of failure to check for include uneven brake pad erosion or the illumination of the ABS warning light.

Brake calipers and your MOT: ensuring safety and performance

The UK MOT (Ministry of Transport Test) rigorously scrutinizes brake calipers, a critical step for maintaining overall vehicle safety and performance. Inspectors must confirm they are securely mounted and check diligently for any significant wear, damage, or excessive corrosion.

Immediate MOT failure results from any fluid leakage or a seized unit, the latter typically causing problematic constant drag. Furthermore, the assessment extends to related components, ensuring the integrity of all brake pipes and hoses.

Finally, overall braking efficiency is verified dynamically on a rolling road. This crucial performance test confirms adequate stopping force, which must be precisely balanced across both axles to guarantee safe deceleration.

Selecting Your Brake Calipers: Quality Parts for Safe Braking

Selecting a high-quality, compatible brake caliper is paramount for maintaining safe and effective stopping power.

To guarantee the correct fitment, always cross-reference the following technical specifications:

  • required part (front or rear),

  • vehicle registration or specific model details,

  • brake disc diameter (e.g., 288MM),

  • mounting configuration,

  • alignment of all technical specifications.

Reputable suppliers offer both brand-new units and professionally remanufactured calipers. If repairing an existing housing, ensure you use a quality kit to service it and replace the piston seals.

Installation requires specialised equipment, including a flare nut wrench and a calibrated torque wrench. Critically, immediately bleed the brakes afterward; this purges dangerous air bubbles and restores the hydraulic system's full stopping power.

Should brake calipers always be replaced in pairs?

Industry standards mandate that brake calipers must always be replaced as a pair on the same axle (front or rear). Even if only one unit has failed, a new caliper performs significantly better than an older, worn component, creating a dangerous performance disparity.

A lack of balance severely compromises vehicle safety. For instance, the vehicle may pull sharply to one side under braking. Furthermore, this imbalance causes rapid, uneven wear on newly installed brake pads and discs. Replacing both calipers simultaneously guarantees the system's integrity, ensuring a balanced, predictable stopping force and preventing the dangerous issues associated with uneven braking.

What is the difference between genuine and aftermarket calipers?

Brake calipers are sourced primarily in two categories: Genuine (OEM) or Aftermarket components.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) units are exact duplicates of the part originally fitted to your vehicle, guaranteeing quality and consistency. However, these premium components typically come with a higher price tag.

Aftermarket alternatives are supplied by numerous third-party manufacturers, available either brand new or expertly remanufactured. While these options provide a significantly more cost-effective solution, quality and reliability can fluctuate widely depending on the chosen supplier.

Ultimately, the decision between OEM and Aftermarket, combined with labour costs, dictates the final expense of replacing your brake caliper.

Don't compromise on safety—always replace your calipers in pairs! Browse the huge selection of certified brake calipers (including OEM and quality remanufactured units) at Ecooparts! Use our vehicle search filters to guarantee a perfect fitment and restored stopping performance. Shop today and drive with confidence!