What causes brake caliper to go bad?

What causes brake caliper to go bad?

Introduction to the working principle of calipers
Car calipers are the core components of disc brake caliper. They use hydraulic pressure to push the piston to squeeze the brake pads and generate braking force by friction with the brake disc. A healthy caliper should have good sealing, smooth piston movement, and stable structural strength.

disc brake caliper assembly

Main causes and mechanisms of damage

  1. Environmental corrosion
    Salt spray erosion: Salt in the air in coastal areas accelerates metal oxidation
    De-icing agent corrosion: Chemical corrosion caused by salting roads in winter
    Typical case: The rust rate of vehicle calipers in northern regions is 40% higher than that in the south

  2. Mechanical wear
    Wear of piston seal ring leads to hydraulic oil leakage
    Abnormal wear caused by insufficient lubrication of guide pins
    Direct friction of metal backing plate with caliper after excessive wear of brake pads

  3. Thermal damage
    Continuous downhill braking produces high temperature above 300℃
    Thermal deformation causes piston jamming
    High temperature causes brake fluid to vaporize and form air blockage

  4. Pollutant intrusion
    Sediment enters piston cavity and wears seals
    Road antifreeze penetrates and corrodes metal
    Water intrusion causes piston rust

  5. Improper installation
    Guide pin torque does not meet the standard (standard value is usually 35–45 N·m)
    Wrong use of piston return tool
    Brake pads are not installed in place

  6. Material aging
    Rubber seals age naturally in 5–7 years
    Metal fatigue causes structural strength to decrease
    Dust cover cracks and loses its protective function

  7. Hydraulic system problems
    Brake fluid contamination accelerates rubber parts degradation
    Hydraulic pipeline blockage leads to abnormal pressure
    Master cylinder failure causes hydraulic shock

  8. Design defects
    Irrational heat dissipation structure
    Improper material selection
    Inadequate dustproof design

Prevention and maintenance suggestions

Regular inspection
Check piston movement every 10,000 kilometers
Check whether the dust cover is damaged
Measure the remaining thickness of the brake pad

Proper maintenance
Replace brake fluid every 2 years
Use special grease to maintain guide pins
Avoid high-pressure water gun direct spraying calipers when washing the car

Driving habits
Avoid long-term continuous braking
Lightly press the brake after wading to remove water
Do not wash the car immediately after parking

Maintenance precautions
Use original disc brake calipers or high-quality aftermarket brake caliper
Strictly install according to torque requirements
Check the caliper status when replacing brake pads—this is often a good time to consider brake caliper replacement if significant wear or damage is detected.


Caliper damage is often the result of multiple factors. By understanding these reasons, car owners can take targeted preventive measures to extend the service life of the caliper and ensure driving safety. When the above warning signals appear, it is recommended to go to a professional maintenance point for inspection immediately.