How to Inspect Brake Calipers

Part of the Video Series How to Install Car Brakes

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Working on your car brakes? Learn how to inspect brake calipers with expert auto maintenance tips in this free car repair video clip.

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Tags: auto, brake pads, brakes, car, rotors
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Video Transcript

How to Inspect Brake Calipers
Hi! My name is Nate McCullough on behalf of expertvillage.com. In this clip we are going to talk about the proper way to inspect your brake caliper. This assembly right here is the brake caliper. It's what houses the pads and is the converter for the hydraulic energy that applies the force of the pads, clamps on the rotors and slows the vehicle down. There are a couple of things that you want to look for. First of all inspect the caliper bridge. That is this separate portion here. That is what the caliper actually mounts to. You want to look at the bolt holes and make sure nothing is cracked or if there are any signs of extreme rust, corrosion or excessive heat. Once you inspect the bridge, take a look inside here and you can see the piston for the caliper and the rubber boot is nice and dry. Any evidence of fluid here is going to indicate a hydraulic failure in the caliper which will require its replacement. Another good idea is to just take your hand and wipe down the bottom of the caliper assembly and see if you come up with any fluid. Right here all we got is some road grime; a little bit of brake dust. There is no trouble with this caliper.

About the Expert

Expert: Nathan McCullough graduated from Nashville Auto-Diesel College with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 and received their craftsmanship award and honor seal. Read More