It’s best to replace both brake calipers to ensure even braking and avoid imbalances. This improves safety and prevents uneven wear on other brake components.
Maintaining your vehicle’s braking system is crucial for safety and performance. One of the questions that often arises when dealing with brake repairs is whether you should change both brake calipers at the same time. While many car owners are familiar with replacing brake pads or rotors, the decision to replace calipers can be more complicated.
This blog will delve into the technical aspects of brake calipers, explain when and why you might need to replace one or both, and provide some valuable FAQs to help you make an informed decision.
Contents
Brake Calipers
Brake calipers are an essential part of the disc braking system. They house the brake pads and are responsible for pressing them against the rotors, creating the friction necessary to stop the vehicle. Brake calipers come in two main types:
- Fixed Calipers: These have pistons on both sides of the rotor, providing more even pressure and, thus, better braking performance. They are more complex and expensive to replace.
- Floating (or Sliding) Calipers: These have a piston on only one side, relying on sliding mechanisms to press the pad on the other side. They are more common and generally easier to maintain and replace.
Over time, brake calipers can wear out, leading to issues such as uneven braking, dragging brakes, or even complete brake failure. When this happens, the question arises: should you replace just one caliper, or is it better to replace both?
When Should You Replace Brake Calipers?
Brake calipers are not usually replaced as often as brake pads or rotors. However, there are specific situations where replacing them becomes necessary. Understanding these conditions can help you decide whether a single or both calipers should be replaced.
Caliper Seizing
A common issue is caliper seizing. This occurs when the piston inside the caliper fails to retract properly, causing the brake pads to stay in contact with the rotor. This can result in:
- Uneven braking: One side of the vehicle may brake harder than the other, leading to pulling or drifting during braking.
- Increased wear: Continuous contact between the pad and rotor will cause them to wear out prematurely.
- Overheating: Constant friction generates heat, which can damage both the rotor and the brake fluid.
If one caliper seizes, it is often recommended to replace both, as the other caliper may also be worn and could soon fail.
Uneven Brake Wear
If one caliper is not functioning correctly, it can cause uneven brake wear. For example, if the caliper on the driver’s side is failing, the pads and rotors on that side may wear out more quickly than on the passenger side. This uneven wear can lead to:
- Imbalanced braking: One side may grab harder than the other, leading to potentially dangerous driving conditions.
- Increased stress on suspension and steering components: Uneven braking forces can affect the vehicle’s suspension, alignment, and handling.
In such cases, replacing both calipers ensures balanced braking performance and prevents further damage to the vehicle’s braking system.
Age and Mileage
Brake calipers, like all components, have a finite lifespan. Over time, seals, rubber components, and the metal housing of the caliper can deteriorate due to exposure to heat, moisture, and road debris. While calipers can last anywhere from 75,000 to 100,000 miles or more, high-mileage vehicles are more prone to caliper failure.
If you’re replacing one caliper due to wear and your vehicle has high mileage, it may be wise to replace both to avoid future issues with the other caliper.
Hydraulic Imbalance
Brake calipers work as part of a hydraulic braking system. If one caliper is not functioning correctly, it can create an imbalance in hydraulic pressure, causing uneven braking forces. This imbalance can make the vehicle pull to one side or increase the stopping distance.
In cases of hydraulic imbalance, replacing both calipers ensures the system works correctly and provides optimal braking performance.
Manufacturer Recommendation
Many mechanics and manufacturers recommend replacing brake calipers in pairs, especially if the vehicle is older or has a significant number of miles. This is because even if one caliper is functioning, the other may not be far behind in terms of wear and failure.
Reasons for Changing Both Brake Calipers
Now that we’ve looked at specific conditions that can necessitate caliper replacement, let’s dive into the reasons why it might be beneficial to change both calipers at the same time.
Consistent Braking Performance
One of the primary reasons for replacing both calipers is to maintain consistent braking performance. When calipers are replaced in pairs, it ensures that both sides of the vehicle are applying equal pressure to the brake pads. This prevents uneven braking and reduces the risk of pulling to one side.
Even Wear on Pads and Rotors
Replacing just one caliper can result in uneven wear on the brake pads and rotors. If one caliper is new and the other is old, the old caliper may not perform as efficiently, causing one side to wear out faster than the other. By replacing both calipers, you ensure that the brake pads and rotors wear evenly, prolonging the lifespan of your braking system.
Cost Savings Over Time
While replacing both calipers may seem more expensive initially, it can save you money in the long run. If you replace only one caliper and the other fails later, you’ll have to pay for labor and parts twice. Replacing both calipers at once can reduce overall repair costs and prevent future problems.
Safety
Your vehicle’s braking system is a crucial safety component. Uneven braking or hydraulic imbalances can make it difficult to control the vehicle, especially in emergency situations. Replacing both calipers ensures that your vehicle is braking evenly and safely, reducing the risk of accidents.
Warranty and Quality
Many aftermarket calipers come with warranties that cover both parts and labor for a certain period. If you replace both calipers, you can have peace of mind knowing that both are covered under warranty. Additionally, replacing both calipers ensures that you’re using parts of the same quality and performance level, reducing the risk of one side underperforming.
When You Can Replace Just One Caliper
While replacing both calipers is often recommended, there are situations where replacing just one is sufficient:
- Low Mileage: If your vehicle has relatively low mileage and one caliper fails due to a manufacturing defect rather than wear and tear, you may only need to replace the defective caliper.
- Localized Damage: If only one caliper has sustained physical damage (e.g., due to an accident), replacing just that caliper may be appropriate.
- Recent Caliper Replacement: If you recently replaced one caliper and the other is still functioning well, you may not need to replace both.
However, in most cases, mechanics will advise replacing both calipers to ensure consistent performance and prevent future issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about should you change both brake calipers –
1. Can I drive with a bad brake caliper?
Driving with a bad brake caliper is not recommended. A malfunctioning caliper can cause uneven braking, increased stopping distances, and damage to other brake components. It can also lead to unsafe driving conditions, as the vehicle may pull to one side during braking.
2. How long do brake calipers typically last?
Brake calipers can last anywhere from 75,000 to 100,000 miles or more, depending on driving conditions, maintenance, and the quality of the parts. However, factors such as exposure to moisture, road salt, and extreme temperatures can shorten their lifespan.
3. How much does it cost to replace brake calipers?
The cost of replacing brake calipers can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the type of calipers, and labor rates. On average, the cost can range from $150 to $300 per caliper, with labor costs adding $100 to $150.
4. What are the signs of a bad brake caliper?
Common signs of a bad brake caliper include uneven braking, pulling to one side, a spongy or soft brake pedal, abnormal noises during braking, and a burning smell from the brakes. You may also notice uneven wear on the brake pads or rotors.
5. Can I replace brake calipers myself?
Replacing brake calipers requires mechanical knowledge and the right tools. While some experienced DIYers can replace them, it’s generally recommended to have a professional mechanic handle the job to ensure it’s done correctly and safely.
Conclusion
When it comes to replacing brake calipers, the decision to change one or both depends on several factors, including the condition of the existing calipers, the age and mileage of your vehicle, and your driving habits. While it may be tempting to replace only the failed caliper to save money, replacing both calipers is often the best option for ensuring even braking performance, safety, and cost savings over time.
By understanding the role of brake calipers and knowing when and why to replace them, you can keep your vehicle’s braking system in top condition and avoid costly repairs down the road.