What would cause a new brake caliper to seize?

The main cause of brakes seizing is inactivity, coupled with corrosion. Brake discs can rust causing the pads to become stuck to them, or a caliper piston, or slider pin can get stuck for similar reasons.

How do you free a seized caliper?

Thankfully often a simple c-clamp will get you going. Another way to remove the caliper piston is to use the brake system’s hydraulic pressure. Just remove the caliper from the disc and pump the brake pedal to move the piston past the corroded area. After this step it’s easier to disassemble and rebuild.

What causes a seized brake caliper?

Being subject to huge temperature ranges, humidity, salt spray and other nasty elements… while rarely serviced or inspected, brakes can load up on some serious corrosion conditions in key areas. This can cause a seized brake caliper along with other brake component failures.

What happens when the caliper slide pins on a car seize?

If it is the caliper slide pins that have seized, the car may appear to drive normally, but the pads will only be pushed onto the disc from the piston side. This will give reduced braking ability on one wheel, and wear the pad on the piston side much faster. In cases like these, the car may pull to the opposite side when the brakes are applied.

How do you fix a seized caliper pin?

Caliper pistons or slide pins tend to seize again even after being cleaned. The corrosion that made the unit stick in the first place, will still be there. It will just take some time until it will stick again. The key is checking the brake system internals for corrosion. If it’s ugly, the only way to repair is by replacing these components.

How long do calipers last on a car?

Calipers should last the life of your vehicle if you replace the pads on a regular basis. Driving with a stuck brake caliper can be difficult because the brake will be slightly depressed at all times. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Brake Caliper Replacement.