Brake Caliper Inspection
WARNING:
Avoid grinding brake linings, sanding brake linings or cleaning wheel brake parts with a dry brush or with compressed air, when servicing wheel brake parts. Some models or aftermarket brake parts may contain asbestos fibers which can become airborne in dust. Breathing dust with asbestos fibers may cause serious bodily harm. Use a water-dampened cloth in order to remove any dust on brake parts. Equipment is available commercially in order to perform this washing function. These wet methods prevent fibers from becoming airborne.
WARNING:
Brake fluid may irritate eyes and skin. In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water. In case of skin contact, wash with soap and water. If ingested, consult a physician immediately.
- Inspect the brake caliper housing for cracks, excess wear, and/or damage. If any of these conditions are present, the brake caliper requires replacement. See BRAKE CALIPER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Inspect the caliper piston dust boot seal for cracks, tears, cuts, deterioration and/or improper seating in the caliper body. See Fig 1. If any of these conditions are present, the brake caliper requires overhaul or replacement.
- For overhaul, see BRAKE CALIPER under OVERHAUL.
- For replacement, see BRAKE CALIPER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Inspect for brake fluid leakage around the caliper piston dust boot seal and on the disc brake pads. If there is any evidence of brake fluid leakage, the brake caliper requires overhaul or replacement.
- For overhaul, see BRAKE CALIPER under OVERHAUL.
- For replacement, see BRAKE CALIPER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Inspect for smooth and complete travel of the caliper piston, or pistons, into the caliper bore, or bores. The movement of a caliper piston into a caliper bore should be smooth and even.
- For single piston caliper applications, insert a discarded inner brake pad or block of wood in front of the piston. Using a large C-clamp installed over the body of the caliper and against the brake pad or block of wood, slowly bottom the piston in the bore. See Fig 1.
- For dual piston caliper applications, insert a discarded inner brake pad or block of wood in front of the pistons. Using 2 large C-clamps installed over the body of the caliper and against the brake pad or block of wood, slowly bottom the pistons evenly into the bores.
- If a caliper piston is frozen or difficult to bottom, the caliper requires overhaul or replacement.
- For overhaul, see BRAKE CALIPER under OVERHAUL.
- For replacement, see BRAKE CALIPER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.