A car braking system is one of the most important systems that guarantee one’s own safety during travels. Recently, I visited a car repair shop, looking to change my vehicle’s tires. When the worker approached the wheel, he asked if I just arrived from a long trip. While confused by his question I answered: “No, I live close by. Why are you asking though?” The technician’s response put me in shock; he pointed out that my brakes were overheated. I took a closer look at it and I found out that it really was overheated the entire wheel was radiantly hot. After I investigated the issue, I came to the conclusion that I had a problem with the brake caliper pistons, a pretty unfamiliar part to fail in such an important system.
So, I decided to write this blog post to highlight the importance of understanding your brake system components, in addition to delving into the complexities of brake caliper pistons and their role in maintaining your vehicle’s safety.
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Understanding How It Works; How Important Are Caliper Pistons
A vehicle’s brake system may look very straightforward, you push a pedal and the car stops, right? In fact, this system is a bit more complicated than that. It has many components that work together to achieve the goal of reducing the car’s speed. When a driver presses the brake pedal, it pushes a piston in the master cylinder. That pressure gets transferred through brake fluid, a special non-compressible liquid, to caliper pistons in each wheel. This fluid acts like a pressurized force multiplier, squeezing brake pads against the discs or drums, and converting your foot force into a much greater stopping power.
While caliper pistons have the name “piston” in them, they are pretty different from their engine counterparts. Brake pistons are responsible for converting hydraulic force into mechanical stopping power. These cylindrical components, located within brake calipers, are pushed outward by pressurized brake fluid when the brakes are applied. This action forces brake pads to clamp onto spinning rotors, creating friction that decelerates the vehicle and brings it to a stop.
What Tells I Have A Brake Piston Malfunction?
Several signs could indicate a potential brake piston issue:
Weak or Ineffective Braking
In some cases, brake pistons can seize or move sluggishly due to accumulated debris or corrosion. This compromises the braking force and leads to weak or unresponsive brakes.
Overheating Brakes
This was the main sign in my case. The brake pistons were stuck in a partially engaged position. When this happens, it can cause significant damage to the braking system. This can force brake pads to continuously rub against the rotors, therefore generating excessive heat and potentially damaging the brakes.
Uneven Brake Wear
Uneven wear on the brake pads can be a sign of a malfunctioning brake piston, as uniform pressure may not be applied to the pads.
Pulling to One Side
During Braking: If a brake piston is stuck on one wheel, the braking force will be uneven, causing the vehicle to pull to one side when the brakes are applied.
Brake Fluid Leaks
Leaking brake fluid around the brake piston is a clear indication of a damaged piston seal, requiring immediate attention.
Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Car’s Brakes; What Preventive Measures Can I Take?
Regular checkups are essential for maximizing the lifespan of any component. Performing regular brake inspections and maintenance helps prevent any malfunctions, including those related to brake pistons. Consider the following three pieces of advice that would not only save you from expensive repairs but also potentially save your life in critical situations.
Regularly checking brake fluid levels and condition, inspecting brake components for wear and damage, and scheduling professional brake inspections to identify and address potential issues early on are your key to maintaining brake safety.
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