Temporary Fix for Stuck Brake Caliper: A Quick Guide

A stuck brake caliper can be a frustrating problem for any vehicle owner. It can cause excessive brake wear, reduced braking ability and, in the worst case scenario, create dangerous driving conditions.

While a stuck brake caliper should be fixed by a professional mechanic as soon as possible, there are some temporary solutions that can help you get back on the road safely until you can get it fixed properly.

In this article, we will discuss the causes of a stuck brake caliper and how to fix it temporarily. Remember, these are only temporary solutions.

Temporary Fix for Stuck Brake Caliper

For a temporary solution for a stuck brake caliper, you should try pumping the brake pedal quickly and repeatedly. If this does not open the brake calipers, you should carefully tap the tire rim or hub with a hammer and try to move the vehicle forward or backward with it. If the vehicle can be pulled to the side of the road, you can try lubricating the brake caliper pins to to get it unstuck.

Why Do Brake Calipers Get Stuck in Vehicles?

Typically, brake calipers in vehicles can get stuck due to factors such as rust, lack of lubrication, contaminated brake fluid, worn brake pads, caliper piston problems or heat-related problems.

Additionally, rust, debris or lack of lubrication can also interfere with the smooth movement of the brake caliper, and contaminated brake fluid or worn brake pads can affect proper retraction. Sequential braking can cause the brake caliper to expand and stick when the rotor and pads overheat.

What Is A Brake Caliper?

Brake calipers are an important component of the disc brake system in vehicles. Brake calipers work by squeezing the brake pads against the rotor, causing the brake pads to exert pressure and friction on the brake rotor and slowing down the vehicle’s wheel speed or stopping the wheel completely.

Brake calipers are usually located near each wheel of the vehicle and are attached to the suspension system components or steering assembly knuckle. Brake pads are fitted between the calipers on both sides, and the brake calipers contain hydraulic or mechanical pistons.

When the driver applies the brakes, the pistons are pushed outward by hydraulic pressure. In this process, the calipers press the brake pads against the brake disc (rotor), creating friction and slowing down the speed of rotation of the wheels.

Symptoms of a Stuck Brake Caliper

There can be several symptoms of a bad brake caliper and it is important to recognize the symptoms in order to troubleshoot the problem.

#1. Abnormal Noise

In the braking system of vehicles, a bad brake caliper is often the cause of hearing abnormal noise when driving on rough roads. This noise often seems to be coming from inside the wheel of the vehicle.

However, there can be several other causes of abnormal wheel noise. For example, bad suspension, bad wheel bearing, bad axle or bad CV joint

#2. Fluid Leaking From the Caliper Piston

Often, wear on the brake caliper can cause brake fluid to leak from around the brake caliper assembly and if the brake caliper piston is severely damaged, fluid leaking inside the wheel can be noticed when the slicker presses the brake pedal.

#3. Uneven Wear of Brake Pads

Bad brake calipers often cause uneven wear on the brake pads. The pistons of a bad brake caliper are unable to press the brake pads evenly, so the brake pads wear unevenly. However, these symptoms can also be caused by a bad disc brake rotor.

#4. Vehicle Pulling To One Side While Braking

Often, when a vehicle’s brake caliper is damaged or stuck, the vehicle starts pulling to one side while braking.

Since the braking system is on both sides of the vehicle, the piston of the brake caliper on one side gets stuck or is unable to withstand the fluid pressure.

Due to this, when braking at high speeds, the brakes on one side fail and the brake system on the other side fails, causing the vehicle to pull to one side when the brake caliper fails during braking.

#5. Burning Smell

In most cases, when you drive with a stuck brake caliper, you will feel a burning smell.

Because stuck brake calipers keep the brake pad pressure on the rotor, causing more friction between the brake pad and rotor, the rotor gets very hot which causes a burning smell.

Causes Of A Stuck Brake Caliper

There can be many different reasons for a brake caliper to get stuck. These are the reasons that should be checked first when a brake caliper gets stuck.

• Debris or Rust – Over time, brake calipers can get rusty. Most of the time, driving in salt water or muddy areas can cause rust to accumulate on the pins and cylinders of the brake caliper, which can cause the brake caliper to get stuck.
• Brake Fluid Contamination – Often, contaminated brake fluid such as moisture or dirt can also cause brake calipers to get stuck, with dirt particles hindering the smooth movement of the caliper components.
• Caliper Slide Pins – The caliper slide pins in the vehicle’s brake system allow the caliper to move and adjust with the brake pads. But if these pins are not lubricated for a long time, they get worn out and the caliper can get stuck in one position.
• Piston seal damage – The piston inside the brake caliper is equipped with seals to maintain proper hydraulic pressure. If these seals are worn or damaged, hydraulic fluid can leak out, causing the piston to get stuck and not return properly.
• Brake Hose Problems – The flexible brake hose that connects the caliper to the brake lines can wear out or break over time, causing the brake caliper to stick. Because the damaged conduit impedes fluid flow.
• Misalignment or Improper Installation – If the brake caliper is not aligned correctly during installation or if the mounting hardware is not properly aligned, this can cause the brake caliper to stick.
• Worn Brake Pads – The friction between the caliper piston and the brake pad can cause excessive amounts of brake pad material or brake dust to accumulate and settle on the brake caliper pins, causing the brake caliper to stick.
• Bad Brake Master Cylinder – Hydraulic fluid is used to push the brake caliper’s piston. This fluid builds up pressure in the brake master cylinder when the brake pedal is pressed. But a bad brake master cylinder is unable to restore fluid pressure, which can cause the brake caliper to get stuck in an underpressure condition.

How to Prevent Brake Caliper Stuck?

Regular maintenance and care is vital to prevent brake caliper stuckness. Periodically inspect your vehicle’s braking system, including the brake caliper, pads, and rotor. If you notice any problems, repair them immediately.

Regularly lubricate the brake caliper’s sliding pins and contact points to ensure smooth movement. Also, maintain cleanliness by keeping the caliper and surrounding area free of dirt and debris. Also, avoid using excessively worn brake pads.

Regularly flush and replace brake fluid as recommended by the manufacturer to prevent contamination and corrosion inside the caliper during each vehicle service. Avoid excessive and aggressive braking, as this can cause excessive heat and stress on the caliper, potentially causing a brake caliper to stick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I spray WD-40 on my brake calipers?

Yes, because WD-40 Spray Specialist Automotive Brake and Parts Cleaner is formulated for use on clutch and brake assemblies, brake discs, calipers, brake drums, brake pads and brake linings and is completely safe and effective.

Can I drive with a stuck caliper?

No, driving with a stuck caliper can be dangerous and can damage other components of the brake system. In many cases, it can also cause the engine to overheat.

Can a seized brake caliper be repaired?

A temporary procedure to open a seized caliper is to pump the brake pedal quickly and repeatedly. But if this procedure is not successful, you can pry the brake caliper open with the help of a suitable tool.

BantyPaul

Banty Paul, owner and founder of Auto Repair Zone, brings over 14 years of hands-on experience in automotive repair and maintenance. This blog was created to share expert troubleshooting guides, repair tips, maintenance advice, and cost estimates for cars and semi-trucks.