What are Caliper Parts?
The word caliper is not an everyday word that we hear, however your Honda Civic will require new caliper parts at some point in its life. Find out all about what caliper parts are and why your car needs them.
How Do Calipers Work and Where Are They Found?
Calipers are part of a vehicles brake system and are vital for making your car stop. They could possibly be one of the most important automotive parts. Although many newer model cars use disc brakes, older models will have calipers. Calipers are in the braking system of each wheel.
- Function: A caliper slows your vehicles wheels through creating friction with rotors.
- How they work: Brake calipers fit over the wheel rotors like a clamp and have a pair of metal plates inside that bond with friction material, known as brake pads. When you apply pressure to the brake while you are driving, the pads force against the rotor due to the hydraulic pressure on one or more of the pistons in the brake caliper, created from the brake fluid of the master cylinder. As the brake pads have a friction surface, they slow or stop the rotor, which in turn slows or stops the wheel since they attach to each other.
Signs That Your Brake Calipers Could Need Replacing
Brake calipers often need replacing after about 75,000 miles or once every seven to ten years. Time causes the rubber seals to harden and there is a greater risk of leaking and sticking. While it may not be immediately obvious that you need to replace the brake calipers in your Honda Civic, there are some signs that you can look out for that could predict its time to get replacements so you can stay safe on the road.
- Strange noises: Any squealing, grinding or squeaking noises that you hear when applying the brakes will mean that there is a problem that needs addressing. There could be a rock caught in the caliper, lack of lubrication or the brake pads need replacing.
- Vibration or wobbling: If you feel that the car is wobbling or vibrating in a strange way when your foot is on the brake pedal, the brake calipers could be out of line or there is an issue with the rotor.
- Burning smell while driving or smoke: If you can see smoke coming from a wheel then it will likely be that a brake caliper is stuck. This needs immediate attention and you should not continue to drive until you solve the problem.
- Car pulling to one side: Brake calipers should all work equally but if one is applying pressure harder than the others, your car may pull to one side when you brake.
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