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How can I tell if I need new calipers?

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Old Oct 27, 2012 | 08:33 AM
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Default How can I tell if I need new calipers?

Lately I've noticed when stopping at low speeds a little pulling to one side. Is that a sign that one of my calipers isn't working properly? Checked brake fluid and the level is fine. Also, noticed my brake pedal is starting to feel a little too soft.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2012 | 08:57 AM
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When was the last time that you check your brake fluid?

I would take your wheel off and press the brakes make sure both of the caliper cylinders a pressing evenly against the pad

I've posted this before too, it's not very hard to rebuild are calipers it's like 10 bucks for a kit to put new seals on the pistons. Much cheaper than new calipers.
 

Last edited by DM_kota; Oct 30, 2012 at 09:08 AM.
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Old Oct 27, 2012 | 10:56 AM
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Checked fluid two weeks ago. Guess I'll ask my mechanic to check for me
 
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Old Oct 27, 2012 | 11:15 AM
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You can also look at your rotors and see if on side of the rotor is thinner than the other wich is a sign of a stuck caliper
 
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Old Oct 29, 2012 | 05:55 PM
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Also check tie pressure. Mine pulls when they get a little uneven.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2012 | 06:12 PM
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You probably have air or gunk in your lines. Try bleeding the brakes. A stuck caliper will make the wheel hot to the touch after a long drive.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2012 | 11:06 PM
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Roger that
 
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Old Oct 30, 2012 | 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by JimBio
You probably have air or gunk in your lines. Try bleeding the brakes. A stuck caliper will make the wheel hot to the touch after a long drive.

A cheap 1-man bleeding system I have used is to go get (3/16 I believe) hose from a hardware store, put some brake fluid in a 20 oz soda bottle and put the hose from there to the brake bleeder. Either gravity flush your brakes or pump flush, either works.

It keeps your calipers from sucking more fluid up when you let pressure off the brake pedal.

doesn't take long at all.
 
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