Brake Caliper repair & service made easy

A brake caliper is the main component that pushes the brake pads into contact with the brake discs when pressure is applied to the brake pedal.

• Mechanic will inspect the brakes and establish if there is a problem with one or several of the brake calipers.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the brake caliper.
• Mechanic will advise if other parts of the braking system need replacing too.
• Mechanic will bleed the brake system.
• Mechanic will top up the brake fluid.
• Mechanic will test drive the car and inspect the brake system again.
• Mechanic will make adjustments if necessary.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a brake caliper replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

Some of the symptoms of a failing brake caliper are:
* When the car pulls to the right or left under braking.
* From an MOT failure or advisory note regarding brake imbalance.
* If your brake pedal begins to gradually get softer (less resistance)
* If the fluid level in your brake fluid reservoir drops.
* You notice brake fluid on the rims of your wheels.
* If a mechanic advises you of damage to the predictive boot during a brake pad change.

On average a brake caliper replacement will usually take 1 hours, but can take anywhere from under 1 hour to 2 hours. The time that the job takes will depend on a range of factors. For example, your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Whilst there is no set lifespan, the most common cause of caliper issues is due to the rubber boot that protects the piston splitting or getting a cut in it from road debris or simply age. Once this occurs, water and grit will etch into the pistons surface and cause pitting, which can lead to the piston getting stuck or the rubber seal that prevents the hydraulic fluid leaking out becoming worn.

Whilst brake calipers can be stripped apart and refurbished, it is cheaper in the majority of cases to simply replace it if the part is readily available.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed, you must act immediately as the braking system is vital to your safety. Therefore it is imperative to get this checked by a technician so they can rule out other causes such as unevenly worn brake pads, discs, suspension faults and tyre wear. Only then should the expense of replacing a brake caliper be considered.

In reality there is not a lot you can do to prevent cuts and ageing of the caliper piston protection boot. However, if you are advised that it has been subject to damage, maybe by a mechanic during a brake pads change for example, then it is sometimes possible to have the boot replaced if there has been little or no water ingress at that point.

Driving with a bad brake caliper is not safe. If you suspect there is any issue with your brake calipers or there are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with a professional mechanic immediate effect and do not drive the vehicle. A mechanic can diagnose the issue and provide an indication on any repairs required. Driving with worn brake calipers can impair brake performance and safety, and can be lethal.

Yes, it is possible to replace one brake caliper, provided if it is safe to do so. ClickMechanic offers replacements of single brake calipers across an axle. A mechanic can advise on whether the condition of the calipers on your car would allow the replacement of just one caliper. This will depend on a number of factors. If you experience any untoward characteristics in your braking, book a diagnostic inspection immediately and do not drive the vehicle.

Yes, faulty brake calipers can lead to an MOT failure. A brake fluid leak from a brake caliper can cause a brake imbalance and can therefore be flagged as an MOT failure or advisory.

Brake calipers may get damaged when a car is driven with brake pads that are worn-out or with warped discs.

It is also quite common for the brake caliper to "stick" or hang and this can happen because:
* Lack of lubrication or build up of debris
* Build up of rust
* Seized piston
* Brake fluid leak
* Abrupt temperature changes

A brake caliper is a durable brake component that is designed to last as long as the vehicle or up to even 100,000 miles. However, there are several factors that can shorten the lifespan of brake calipers so it's important to get them checked if you suspect any brake problems while driving.

Yes brake calipers are checked as they are a crucial component of the car's braking system. The MOT tester will examine the system including the brake pads, brake discs and brake calipers to ensure it is functioning efficiently.