Brake calipers needing replacement after brake pads and rotors were replaced?
About 3 weeks ago I had the brake pads and rotors replaced on my car. Yesterday I noticed a strong smell of burning brakes. I took it back to the shop that did the original repair and they told me the rotors and pads need replaced but that the calipers need replaced as well, for about $950. Could the original faulty pads and rotors have caused the calipers to fail?
My car has 72000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
I think you have it backwards. The pads and rotors do not cause bad calipers, but a sticking or binding caliper can cause the pads to wear excessively and cause the pads to dig into the rotors. The calipers may not of been binding until the caliper pistons had to be pushed back to install the new pads. It would be recommended to have the brake system flushed after replacing the calipers, pads, and rotors so the system has all new fluid. A certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to perform any needed repairs with your brake system.
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So, replacing a caliper is not as common as replacing brake pads or brake rotors. But it`s good to know when you might need to replace a brake caliper. Replace pads and rotors with every brake job, but replace calipers only when damaged or when the pistons fail to extend after applying the brakes.
Rebuilding your calipers is a relatively easy job that can be done by practically anyone with simple handtools. We would recommend having a set of new piston seals on hand but they may not be needed. Following are a few tips for rebuilding your calipers for maximum performance season after season and long brake life.
While brake pads and rotors are frequently damaged, calipers do not need to be replaced often. The primary reason for worn-out calipers is due to driving an automobile on worn-out pads or twisted rotors. This can hinder the system`s ability to dissipate frictional heat, leading to wear and degradation.
You do not need to replace all 4 rotors at the same time, but it is recommended to replace the rotors and pads as a set for each axle front or back at the same time. If the front brakes need to be replaced but the rear brakes are not worn out yet, then you do not need to replace the rear brakes.
Due to their durability, though, it`s common for brake calipers to be replaced every 100,000 miles or ten years. Routinely having your vehicle inspected ensures every part in your braking system stays in proper working order for as long as possible.
The caliper is what binds the brake pads and rotors together for the proper functioning of the braking system. The caliper is like a clamp that connects the brake pads and rotors. When you press the brake pedal, its the caliper that forces the brake pads onto the rotors to stop the car.
Installing brand new brake calipers will improve the overall performance of your vehicle, whether it`s an SUV, car, or truck. They will provide a tighter and more secure squeeze on the brake pads, allowing them more grip on the brake rotors. Increase in stopping power.
Disc brake calipers are resilient brake components and are expected to last as long as your vehicle. Your brake calipers realistically last anywhere between 75,000 to 100,000 miles or 10 years.
If you`re never going to experience wet or rough weather, caliper brakes are enough since you`ll get more than enough braking power performance on your fair-weather dry rides. If you`re out regardless of the weather, then choose disc brakes.
One damaged or failed caliper will cause uneven braking, pulling the car or truck to one side. As speed increases, the amount of pull increases. As a result, you can lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. No one should drive a vehicle with a failed or damaged caliper.
A car can have either 2 or 4 calipers. If the car has rotors on all four tires, then it will have four calipers. If the car has two rotors and two drums, then it will come with two calipers in front. The calipers can become contaminated, rusty, and start to leak brake fluid.
You don`t always have to replace rotors when replacing brake pads. The frequency of rotor replacement depends on factors like rotor quality and driving conditions. However, if your mechanic finds warped or worn rotors beyond the minimum discard thickness, they recommend replacing them together with brake pads.
If the piston is scored or pitted beyond repair, your customers will have to replace the caliper. While caliper rebuild kits are an affordable solution that may prolong the life of the braking system, these kits can only repair limited issues that may affect a caliper over its lifetime.
One damaged or failed caliper will cause uneven braking, pulling the car or truck to one side. As speed increases, the amount of pull increases. As a result, you can lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. No one should drive a vehicle with a failed or damaged caliper.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Brake calipers needing replacement after brake pads and rotors were replaced?
ANSWER : I think you have it backwards. The pads and rotors do not cause bad calipers, but a sticking or binding caliper can cause the pads to wear excessively and cause the pads to dig into the rotors. The calipers may not of been binding until the caliper pistons had to be pushed back to install the new pads. It would be recommended to have the brake system flushed after replacing the calipers, pads, and rotors so the system has all new fluid. A certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to perform any needed repairs with your brake system.
Does my car need new brake pads and rotors?
ANSWER : Hi there:
In most instances, if the brake pads have not fully worn out, the rotors will not suffer scarring or pitting which typically means the rotors need to be surfaced or replaced. However, it really depends on the damage that has been done or if the rotors may have been warped due to excessive heat or braking. Before you take your vehicle to any of these shops, you might want to have professional mobile mechanics complete a brake pads and rotor inspection to give you an accurate assessment of the repairs you need to have completed on your Volvo.
how thin can rotors be before replacing?
ANSWER : Nothing sounds right about that. There are references that tell mechanics how thick rotors are when new, when they’re too thin to machine, and when to discard. The rotors need measured with a micrometer to check this. Rust and some other factors can shorten the life of a rotor before it’s too thin, but you should have been informed of this. They are many reasons to replace a caliper. Brake pads being too thick are not one of them. Either the piston in the caliper is not compressing all the way, there’s a seized caliper slide, or they have the wrong pads. If the piston is stuck, this warrants replacement. I would get a second opinion from a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who can diagnose your brake system and suggest what to do from there. Good luck.
My car brake pedal vibrates while braking….so do i need to get front rotors replaced or rear rotors replaced? What are charges?
ANSWER : A pulsating brake pedal can be caused by front, rear, or all 4 rotors being warped or out of round. Typically when it’s the front rotors, you will feel the vibration in the brake pedal and the steering wheel. When the rear rotors are warped, you may feel it in the brake pedal and more in the seat, feeling it in your back side. Whether front, rear, or all 4, if the rotors are replaced, it’s a good idea to replace the pads as well.
The best approach would be to have a certified technician inspect the brakes to determine where the pulsation is coming from. An accurate estimate for repairs can be given at that time.
The best approach would be to have a certified technician inspect the brakes to determine where the pulsation is coming from. An accurate estimate for repairs can be given at that time.
I need to speak with Ricardo which was the mechanic on my car in March before booking next appointment. Subject Rear Brake Rotors
ANSWER : Hi Doug. I have forwarded your inquiry to our customer sales department to see if they can see if they are able to put you in contact with Ricardo. If you had work previously done, you should have been sent a direct email from our sales team. You might want to reply to that email directly to expedite the contact process, as this forum is reserved for automotive maintenance recommendations and repair suggestions. Thanks.
if I need brake pads, rotors, and calipers, how long can I wait before I get the calipers? is it ok to just do the pads and rotors
ANSWER : Hello.
While it would be easier to have them all done at the same time, you can wait to replace the calipers if you need to. Keep in mind, however, that performing a flush requires you to open the brake’s hydraulic system. So if you plan on replacing the calipers later, the system will have to be re-opened and re-bled when the calipers are installed. In most cases calipers only need be replaced if they malfunction, usually in the form of a seized piston or leaky seal. I would recommend carefully inspecting the calipers when the brakes are done to see if they even need to be replaced.
If you need assistance with these services, a certified YourMechanic technician can be dispatched to your location to help perform one or more of the following services on your vehicle:
Brake caliper replacement
Brake pad replacement
Brake rotor replacement
Brake system flush
Uneven brake rotor wear
ANSWER : Hello. I tried to view the pictures but the link seems to be broken. It sounds like you have two different problems reading the description of the problem. The first is the brake pads being too tight and binding in the caliper bracket. This is most likely caused from the pad ends are not machined smooth and do not slide into the caliper bracket smooth. This will cause them to bind and cause low brake application or will keep the brakes partly applied wearing them down quickly. The other possible problem is the caliper may be binding on the slides or the piston is binding. If you would like precise advise on exactly what needs repair, have a certified professional diagnose the brake system in person and follow through with correct repairs.
Replaced front brake pads on bad rotors, also replaced calipers from junkyard.
ANSWER : Hello. From what you describe it would appear that your rear brakes may have seized up. This can be caused by a few different reasons. If your brakes were grinding and you reused the same rotor it may be possible that the brakes are overheating due to excessively thin or worn rotors. Overheated brakes can result in brake fluid boiling, which can cause all sorts of pressure problems in the brake system. This is more likely if only the front brakes were bled when the system was opened up, and a possible cause for the swishing fluid sound you heard as the problems occurred. A careful disassembly and inspection of both the front and rear brakes could determine what the cause could be. I would recommend having a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to determine what the cause of the seized brakes may be](https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brakes-steering-and-suspension-inspection).
