We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Automotive

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Brake Calipers?

By Dakota Davis
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 22,663
Share

Brake calipers are one of the essential components of the disc braking system, which is the most common type of braking system found in cars today. Part of the disc brake, the caliper is a unit that contains pistons and brake pads. This assembly works to slow a car's wheels by creating friction with the rotors. Brake calipers come in two basic varieties — floating or fixed — and can be enhanced for additional braking power.

A disc braking system is made up of a master cylinder, a series of tubes and hoses, and the actual disc brake, which includes a rotor, brake calipers with attached pistons, caliper support, and brake pads. The rotor is attached to the vehicle's wheel, and the brake calipers fit over the rotors like clamps. Inside each caliper is a pair of brake pads, which are like metal shoes lined with some kind of friction material. When the brake pedal is pressed, the master cylinder forces brake fluid into the caliper, which presses against the pistons. The pistons push the brake pads against the rotor, creating the friction that causes the wheel to slow down or stop.

There are two common types of brake calipers. A floating caliper, also called a sliding caliper, moves in a track within its support and has pistons on the inboard side of the rotor only. Hydraulic pressure forces the pistons against the inner pad, which in turn pulls the caliper against the outer pad, creating friction on both sides of the rotor. A fixed caliper is mounted to the caliper support and doesn't move, using pistons on each side to press the brake pads against the rotor. Floating calipers are more common because they are less expensive to make and to service, but fixed calipers are valued for their smoothness and efficiency, and are often found on luxury vehicles.

In some circumstances, brake calipers can be customized to suit specific needs. Motorcycles with disc braking systems require small, lightweight calipers which are often made from aluminum and include multiple pistons for added clamping force. Large trucks and SUVs used for towing or cargo can be outfitted with aftermarket calipers, which provide extra braking power and a customized appearance. Additional options include performance brake calipers, which may have bigger pistons or retain less heat, and differential-bore calipers, which use a combination of small and large pistons for a more balanced and efficient braking effect.

Share
WikiMotors is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon244976 — On Feb 03, 2012

Yes, the fixed position rotors are a dream. You will not only find some smooth stops from using them, but the stops will be quicker and more powerful.

If you ever get in an accident, you will find that these things can save your life as they will also decrease your stopping distance as well.

By backdraft — On Jun 30, 2011

If anyone has seen the brake calipers on a large truck like a Ford F350 they know that these things look like the arms of a terminator. They are huge and intricately engineered and incredibly solid. It has to be this was because trucks often carry huge loads behind them and need to have maximum stopping power when going down hills or braking quickly. It can be a real bear of a job replacing these. It takes at least two people to fit them into place properly.

By gravois — On Jun 29, 2011

Brake maintenance is crucial if you want your car to work for as long as possible. I learned this the hard way. I had an old Camry that I drove for about 150K without ever having the breaks worked on. Eventually they screamed so badly when I went to stop that I broke down and took it to a mechanic.

It turned out that I did not just need new pads and rotors like most brake jobs. That would have been too easy. I needed new brake calipers on three of the wheels. My mechanic said it was a miracle I was able to stop at all. Unfortunately the price was not a miracle. The bill would have come to well over $1000. I ended up just junking the car which is a shame because it still ran great.

Share
https://www.wikimotors.org/what-are-brake-calipers.htm
Copy this link
WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.