The callipers on the car might be one of the most crucial components of the entire braking system. A calliper is a device that squeezes two metallic jaws together to clamp on another device. At the end of each jaw, you will find brake pads that promote safe braking and prevents harsh wear and tear on the surface of the brake disc.
Over time these callipers freeze up and stop working correctly. At this point, you will need to either recondition them yourself or get to the nearest mechanic as soon as possible.
The first sign that the callipers need to be replaced is how your vehicle reacts. In some cases, the car will struggle to maintain speed and a potent smell can be noticed if the parts are burnt out. Unfortunately, you will not be able to check the brakes because they will be so hot from the friction caused by braking. This process has to be done immediately to avoid having to replace the rotors as well. Dragging callipers will score and scratch the rotor surface causing it to become worn down and damaged. In this case you will either have to machine the part or replace it completely.
For the mechanic to reach the callipers, they will have to loosen the lug nuts and remove the wheel. If rubber line screws are attached, they will have to remove the rubber brake line at the far end first. Once the component is out, the brake pads will have to be removed. At this point, the mechanic is constructing the calliper to be a component on its own without tampering with the rest of the system. This includes the seals within the component and the piston that contains the hydraulic fluid.
In most cases, the reason why the calliper drags is due to serious corrosion that occurs over time. Grits and rough surfaces will have to be polished down for a smooth surface. Remember that the calliper has to be functioning at all times. Any roughness and corrosion will compromise the fluid from making this clamping motion.
Before putting the component back on the mount, the mechanic has to clean and dry it to prevent impurities from entering the system. Impurities could block the hydraulic pipe thus defeating the point of the reconditioning that has just been done. As part of this brake pad replacement process, mechanics will also replace the callipers with new ones or refurbished ones.
