OEM Automotive Brake Calipers

Get the Facts About Brake Calipers

What they are: the clamps in a disc brake system. They contain one or more brake pistons, and they have brake pads attached to them.

How many your vehicle has: most models -- at least front calipers. Some models, however, have both front and rear calipers.

What they do: clamp the pads to brake rotors, creating the friction your vehicle needs to slow down and stop. (Familiar with the other main type of brake system, drum brakes? They do the same thing, but they do it with brake drums and brake shoes instead.)

How they work: it's a process. It starts when you step on the brake pedal. A master brake cylinder pressurizes brake fluid, and the fluid traverses a network of hoses and valves, activating the pistons and engaging the calipers. The latter fasten on the rotors, using the pads between to produce said resistance. The process also creates a lot of heat, and the rotors are also responsible for dissipating it.

The signs they're going bad: there are many. You can look for lit brake and/or ABS warnings on the dash, but it's a better idea to look for decay, corrosion, and/or buildup around the seals, plus brake fluid leaks in the engine compartment and onto the wheels. You should also feel for erratic brake pressure and sideways drift when braking and listen for squealing and continuous grinding sounds.

Why buy genuine OEM brake calipers: your brand makes them guaranteed to fit the model you love driving. That's something the aftermarket can't always claim.

Where to buy replacement brake calipers online: right here at our auto parts store. To find what you need a lot more quickly, browse our catalog with your model information (make, model, and model year) filled in. Buy them now, and we'll ship them right to your door.