Most people have been to the mechanic and had a jumble of jargon thrown at them, confusing them into potentially spending anywhere from a hundred to a couple of thousand dollars that they aren’t sure were even necessary. So, if you’ve gone in recently because your brakes were making a squealing sound or because there was wet, oily fluid under your car, they might have thrown the word “calipers” at you.
What is a brake caliper? Your car’s brakes are mainly made up of rotors, calipers, and brake pads. The rotors are discs attached to the axle, and the calipers hold the brake pads. As you push the brakes, the calipers clamp the brake pads onto the rotor, creating friction and slowing your car to a stop.
The calipers are pretty much the most important part of your brakes. Their primary function is creating friction on the rotor to stop your car. Without them, you will just keep rolling. So, to learn more about how your whole braking system works and why the calipers are so vital, let’s break it down further.
How the Calipers Work Within the Brake System
We’ve already summed up how the calipers fit into the brake system. However, let’s really dig in, starting with your foot on the brake.
- As your foot presses on the brake, an electrical signal travels down a wire to the master cylinder.
- The master cylinder houses a piston that will drive brake fluid/hydraulic fluid into the lines.
- As the pressure of fluid builds in the lines, it forces the caliper to clamp down the brake pads onto the rotor disc.
- This creates friction which slows your vehicle or brings it to a stop.
It’s important to know that calipers are part of a disc brake system. There is also a drum brake system that doesn’t contain calipers. In most cars, the disc brake system will be on the front two wheels while drum brakes are on the back two. However, newer cars may have disc brakes on all four wheels.
Expectations for Your Calipers
Not only is it important to know what kind of brakes you have on your car, but it’s also important to make sure that they wear evenly. More than likely, if you need to fix or replace one of the front brakes, you’ll need to fix the opposite side front brake.
However, it is more likely that issues with your brakes will result in needing new brake pads. Your calipers should last for 100,000 miles (or about 10 years). According to some sources, you should start keeping an eye out at around 75,000 miles.
As the calipers age, the rubber seal can harden and crack, which can further lead to leaking brake fluid. All that is a recipe for brake failure. So, if you start seeing any warning signs, it’s time to take the car in.
Warning Signs that Your Calipers Need Attention
That brings us to warning signs that could be related to your calipers. Keep in mind that your calipers are a vital part of your braking system, so it’s in your best interest to pay attention to any issues with your car for your safety:
- Your car pulls to one side when you hit the brakes. The key is “when you hit the brakes.” Otherwise, it’s an alignment issue. Here’s what’s happening: if the caliper doesn’t clamp, the brake pads fail to make contact, and the car will pull toward the working brake. If the caliper clamps and won’t release, the car will pull toward the malfunctioning side.
- You smell something burning. This one is a little iffy, but anytime you smell burning, stop driving your car and have it looked at. What could be happening is this: your caliper could be stuck and you’re burning through the brake pad. Overheated brakes could also be the culprit, so first make sure your parking brake is all the way off.
- You feel a grinding sensation when you apply the brakes. This could be an easy fix. It may just be a rock caught in the caliper. That is easily removed. Take a look. If the grinding sensation is paired with a squealing noise that happens when you aren’t on the brake (unlike the squealing of worn brake pads, which happens when you do apply the brakes).
- You see brake fluid under your car. Look for a wet/oily spot in your parking spot, particularly where the wheels are. This is caused by weaknesses in the lines letting hydraulic fluid leak out through the calipers.
- You hear a clunky noise from the brakes. This rarely ever happens, but it’s possible you have a broken caliper bracket. It isn’t holding your caliper in place, and you should definitely not drive your car if this is the case.
If any of these things sound familiar, make sure to get a professional to look at it. You may need your calipers and possibly more parts of your brake system replaced or fixed. It’s crucial that you have issues with your brakes dealt with promptly.
Waiting too long can lead to further damage to your brake system which not only increases the cost of fixing it but also makes it more dangerous to drive.
How Much Should It Cost to Replace the Calipers?
Everyone hates getting shaken down at the mechanic’s shop without knowing exactly what they’re paying for. So, what are you paying to replace the brake calipers? What should it cost?
While the cost for the parts is going to vary based on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, the labor cost to replace the brake calipers should be pretty consistent. So, first off, what is fair to pay for labor?
You should be expecting to pay at least $100 just for labor. This is going to vary based on the cost of living and the minimum wage in your area. The federal minimum wage as of January 2020 is $7.25, but the highest local minimum wage is in Washington DC at $14.00. Remember this is someone’s job and likely someone’s small business.
The cost of the actual calipers is going to vary, too. Depending on the year, make, and model of your car, a single caliper can cost around $150. You’ll also be advised to flush and replace the brake lines and fluid, which can cost an additional $30 to $50.
In total, a complete replacement of your brake calipers could cost you between $725 and $1500. Research your mechanic before making an appointment or receiving service from them. Only go to someone that you can trust. You want to make sure that you’re getting good service for what you’re paying.
Next Steps
Don’t get anxious if you sense something wrong with your car and suspect it’s the brakes. Furthermore, don’t be too flummoxed if your mechanic throws the word “caliper” at you. Remember, the calipers are the part of the brake that squeezes the brake pads onto the rotor to allow you to stop.
They should continue to work perfectly for between 75,000 and 100,000 miles or about 10 years. When they start to wear out, you’ll notice some warning signs. As long as you quickly handle the issue, you can prevent further damage and expense.
It’s important not to drive your car if your brakes are acting very poorly to avoid potential accidents. Make sure to have someone look at any issue that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Stay safe, and happy driving, remember to enjoy your time on the road, even when you’re stuck in traffic.