Brake calipers can get stuck over time, causing various braking-related problems. What should you do when you face this problem? Taking the car to a repair shop is obviously the right thing to do, but you’ll first need to unstick the caliper to get the car moving.
In this blog post, I’ll discuss a temporary fix for stuck brake caliper that’ll save you worry until the caliper is repaired properly.
The Symptoms of a Stuck Brake Caliper
Beware of these signs of a seizing brake caliper:
- The car starts pulling to one side when braking. It happens because the brakes on one wheel are grabbing more than the other. This puts uneven pressure on the tires and steering.
- Grinding noises coming from the wheels. A stuck piston in the caliper makes the brake pad rub against the rotor continuously, even when you aren’t pressing the pedal, creating the noise.
- Burning smells. All that friction from the constant rubbing generates a lot of heat. You may smell a hot, chemical odor wafting from the problematic wheel.
- Getting your car moving can feel sluggish. With one brake partially engaged, it takes more effort from the other wheels and transmission to overcome that drag. It also makes accelerating from a stop slower.
- Fluid leaks are also common with a stuck caliper. As the piston can’t fully retract, fluid may start weeping out around the seals.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s best not to ignore them. Driving with a seized caliper will only make the damage worse over time.
Temporary Fix for Stuck Brake Caliper
Before jumping into the fix of a seized caliper, let me explain quickly why this problem occurs. It happens when the caliper clamp does not release the brake pads after you hit the pedal. It causes the pads to stay pressed up against the rotor, leading to different types of brake-related issues.
The longer a caliper is stuck, the more damage it can create. The pad rubs on the rotor constantly, chewing away the brake material fast. Too much friction builds heat that can warp the rotor as well. This decreases your ability to slow down safely. Leaving a stuck caliper unattended is not a good idea for your car or your safety behind the wheel.
Preventing this problem is the best solution. Replacing worn out parts like slides and hoses on schedule can keep calipers gliding easily. Until you get that, here is a temporary solution to get you out of trouble.
Step 1: Find the Problem Caliper
The first thing to do is figure out which brake caliper isn’t working right. Spin each wheel one by one and feel for any resistance or bumps as it turns. Look closely at the tires too, the one with the stuck caliper may show more wear on the inside or outside edge.
Step 2: Inspect the Wheel and Disc
Once you know which wheel is affected, remove the hubcap or wheel cover so you can see the entire wheel setup. Spin the wheel by hand and check for any roughness, tight spots, or if it seems harder to turn than the others.
Step 3: Take off the Wheel
With the problem area identified, it’s time to remove the wheel so you can access the caliper. Use your lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts by turning them counter-clockwise. Don’t remove them fully yet.
Then, jack up the car safely and put it on jack stands. Finish loosening and taking off the lug nuts, and pull the wheel off. Set it in a stable place so it doesn’t roll away.
Step 4: Check out the Caliper
Take a close look at the brake caliper for signs like rust, grime, or leaking brake fluid. These can cause the caliper to get stuck. Wipe away dirt and debris to get a clear view. Pay attention to where the caliper slides in and out on the mounting points. Rust or built-up crud here is a sure sign of trouble. Inspect the bolts too to make sure nothing’s corroded or loose.
Step 5: Apply the Right Lube
You’ll need brake lubricant made for withstanding high temperatures. Choose a silicone-based grease and squirt a thin layer onto the caliper slide areas, mounting bolts, and any other moving parts.
Get full coverage but don’t go overboard, as only a light coating is enough. The lubricant will help loosen any grime while protecting surfaces from corrosion in the future.
Step 6: Squish the Piston In
For compressing the caliper piston, you’ll need a C-clamp or special brake tool. Gently but firmly push the piston back into its housing within the caliper body. Go slowly and apply even pressure to create more clearance between the pads and rotor without damaging any components.
Step 7: Clean Brake Components
Since dust and grime can cause brake calipers to stick, you have to clean the brake components well to avoid further issue.
Take some heavy duty brake cleaner and spray it all over the caliper and other parts. Pay special attention to where the caliper slides on the brake pads. These areas need to be super clean. Use an old toothbrush or small wire brush to scrub away any dirt or residues. Get in all the nooks and crannies. Clean the caliper bolts too before putting them back on.
Step 8: Put the Wheel Back on
After using lubricant and cleaning the dirty components, it’s time to put the wheel back in place. It’s important not to over-tighten the lug nuts.
Step 9: Test the Brakes
With the wheel back on, go ahead and start up the car. Slowly press the brake pedal to engage the caliper. Feel for any pulling to one side or grinding noises which could mean it’s still sticking.
Give the brakes a few full stops from low speeds to bed in the pads again. If everything feels normal, it means that you’ve successfully fixed the caliper problem, at least for now. This temporary fix should get you to the shop.
Conclusion
A temporary fix can get a stuck brake caliper moving again safely. Just lubing, cleaning, and lightly compressing the piston can make a big difference. However, you shouldn’t delay getting the caliper properly repaired, as continued driving with stuck brakes will only cause more costly damage later.
