What does a brake caliper do?

Brake calipers are an essential part of your car's braking system. The job of the caliper is to slow the car's wheels by creating friction with the rotors. The most common is floating caliper, but on some cars there are swinging and fixed calipers. It fits over the rotor like a clamp. Inside each caliper is a pair of metal plates bonded with the brake pads.

When the driver presses the brake pedal, the small brake cylinder piston compresses brake fluid in the master cylinder. Because the brake fluid doesn't compress, this force is instantly transmitted to the brake caliper, which clamps the spinning rotor, causing the wheel to slow and stop.

Though only comprising a few parts of your car, brake calipers are one of the most critical parts, enabling controlled braking in various situations. As they are a key safety component of your car, it’s important that your brake calipers are well maintained and fully functioning at all times. If you think there may be an issue with your calipers or braking system, it’s important to get things looked at by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer.

It is part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance but has had connections with many other vehicle manufacturers throughout its history—as shareholders, part owners, and suppliers of parts and components.

How popular is Mitsubishi in the United Kingdom?

Mitsubishi celebrated 100 years of automotive manufacturing in 2017 and has created a solid position for itself in the UK market with around 350k vehicles on the roads today.

Making a mark in an SUV orientated market

The selection of Mitsubishi models does feature the Mirage hatchback and the L200 pickup, but the rest of the range is predominantly SUVs. Even the Mirage has strong SUV overtones.

And why not? They’re sturdy, versatile and roomy enough for families of all sizes, and the Outlander PHEV is perfect for company car drivers with its low fuel bills and plenty of interior space.

Outlander PHEV: The world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV

In 2013 Mitsubishi introduced the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV. As a company that continues to make significant breakthroughs in driving technology, their work with renewable fuel types is establishing them as a leader in ecological systems.

The Mitsubishi Shogun: the beginnings of the SUV generation

The roots of the Shogun can be traced as far back as 1934 with a prototype for the Japanese Government, but it wasn’t until the Tokyo Motor Show in 1973 that Mitsubishi presented their first commercial prototype.

The Shogun was launched in 1982, and along with other 4x4 originals: predominantly by Land Rover, Jeep and the Toyota Land Cruiser, it helped boost the popularity of rugged go-anywhere motoring into the mainstream.

How often should a brake caliper need replacing?

Brake calipers are usually very durable. On modern vehicles, it's not uncommon for calipers to last at least 100,000 miles or 10 years. However, if you experience any of the above symptoms, you should have your brakes inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with stuck, damaged or faulty brake calipers is very dangerous as it will impact the effectiveness of your braking, meaning your presence on the road is a danger to all other road users.

It’s also important to keep in mind that bad brake calipers can cause excessive wear to the brake discs and pads, so having them repaired or replaced as soon as possible will be better for your wallet in the long-run.

What happens during a brake caliper replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the brakes and determine if there’s a problem with one or several of the brake calipers. They will also advise if other parts of the braking system need replacing too.

• They will then replace the brake caliper and other parts of the brake, if necessary.

• Bleed the brake system and top up the brake fluid.

• Test drive the car and inspect the brake system again.

• Make any final, necessary adjustments.

What causes a brake caliper to break?

In general, brake pads and rotors wear out and need replacement far more often than calipers. Calipers tend to get damaged when a car is driven with worn-out brake pads or warped rotors. If these components are damaged it can cause the calipers to overheat, wear down or crack.

Calipers can also break if the rubber boot that protects the piston splits. Once this occurs, water and grit will seep into the pistons surface and cause pitting, which can lead to the piston getting stuck or damaged.

When should a brake caliper be replaced?

Brake calipers are pretty tough and durable. On modern cars, calipers should last at least 100,000 miles or 10 years. However, if you experience any of the above symptoms, you should have your brakes inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of a bad brake caliper?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• If your brake pedal feels softer (less resistance when applying the brakes).

• If your car pulls to one side when braking.

• If the level in your brake fluid reservoir drops or if you notice a leak. Brake hydraulic fluid is a very pale golden colour, transparent and almost watery.

• If you notice brake fluid on the rims of your wheels.

• If you receive an advisory note regarding brake imbalance.

How often should you replace your brake caliper?

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should have your brakes inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with stuck, damaged or faulty brake calipers is very dangerous as it will impact the effectiveness of your braking, meaning your presence on the road is a danger to all other road users.

It’s also important to keep in mind that bad brake calipers can cause excessive wear to the brake discs and pads, so having them repaired or replaced as soon as possible will be better for your wallet in the long-run.

What happens during a brake caliper replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the brakes and determine if there’s a problem with one or several of the brake calipers. They will also advise if other parts of the braking system need replacing too.

• They will then replace the brake caliper and other parts of the brake, if necessary.

• Bleed the brake system and top up the brake fluid.

• Test drive the car and inspect the brake system again.

• Make any final, necessary adjustments.

What is the average life of a brake caliper?

Generally, brake calipers are tough and durable. On modern vehicles, it's not uncommon for calipers to last at least 100,000 miles or 10 years. However, if you experience any of the above symptoms, you should have your brakes inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Can you drive with a broken brake caliper?

No, you should not drive with a bad brake caliper. Driving with stuck, damaged or faulty brake calipers is very dangerous as it will impact the effectiveness of your braking, meaning your presence on the road is a danger to all other road users.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

The efficiency and balance of brakes is checked on MOT tests, therefore it's important that every component of your brake system is in good condition, including your brake calipers. Because your brakes are arguably the most crucial safety component in your car, your vehicle will fail its MOT if they are not functioning properly or are damaged.