If the caliper is not free to move, the cause is often binding or bent mounting pins. Even if guide pins are not damaged, swollen or hardened guide seals or lack of lubrication may cause the caliper to bind. Often, this condition is the result of improper lubricants being used. This condition results in uneven pad wear.

A proper brake service involves inspecting all mounting surfaces and hardware for corrosion, wear or misalignment. A professional brake repair service will replace mounting hardware and install replacement caliper guide pins if required.

Most floating brake calipers use a rubber or plastic insulator or shim around the mounting bolts of the caliper. This sleeve of soft material loses resilience over its service lifetime. This is hastened by the high-temperature environment of the brake pad, rotor, and caliper assemblies. As materials wear, instead of being round they can get flattened by the torque from the brakes into an oval shape that can cause excessive caliper movement. This can cause noise like rattles and thumps even if the brakes are not applied.

The professionals at Hollenshade’s inspect and, if necessary, replace any dust boots or grommets that protect caliper bolts and/or slides. If the critical components and areas pass inspection, the old lubricant is cleaned and the proper new lubricant is applied. 

Unlike steel, soft parts like rubber are sensitive to chemicals. Choosing the right lubricant for thee parts is critical to ensuring their integrity. If the caliper boots fail to make a seal with the caliper bracket and bolt, water can be sucked into the cavity as the bracket contracts and cools.

The experts at Hollenshade’s in Towson can address any problems you may experience with your vehicle’s brake system. Please CONTACT US for an appointment or to ask us a question about you brake calipers.