One of the most commonly used parts of your car is your brakes. Every time you drive, you need your brakes to slow your vehicle down and bring it to a stop. Each press of the brake pedal engages your brake calipers, pushing its pads into the discs and slowing each wheel’s rotation through friction.
While brake pads are expected to wear out and require replacement over time, wear and tear may occasionally affect the brake calipers. Learning the most common signs of bad brake calipers can help you address potential brake issues before they turn into costly damages.
1. Brake Warning Light is On
The first element to check when you suspect any problem with your car is your dashboard, including brake problems. If you have a brake caliper issue, you may see the brake warning light come on. It is distinct from the Check Engine light or other warning lights, such as the parking brake or ABS light.
Depending on the make and model of your car, your brake warning symbol may look like one of these:
- A red exclamation mark (!) inside a circle with two half-circles on the sides
- The word “BRAKE” in all caps and in red
- On some cars, a dedicated brake fluid light may come on for leaks or other brake fluid issues. It resembles ocean waves inside a circle surrounded by two half-circles.
If your brake warning light comes on, you should treat it as a serious issue. Schedule a brake service with a local, reputable mechanic to diagnose the problem and determine the exact cause of your brake warning light.
2. Spongy Brake Pedal
Check how your brake pedal responds when braking, particularly when bringing your vehicle down to a stop. A properly functioning brake pedal should feel firm, provide consistent resistance, and respond immediately to the exact amount of pressure you apply.
One of the most common signs of bad brake calipers is a brake pedal that doesn’t respond as it should. Possible sensations include:
- A soft initial press, as though the pedal feels spongy or squishy
- Needing to press the brake pedal further than usual or pump it to get the desired braking power
- The resistance provided by the pedal is inconsistent
- The braking response is delayed; you can feel a noticeable gap between pressing the brakes and feeling the car slow down
3. Brake Fluid Leaks
A bad brake caliper can potentially create an opening in your car’s brake fluid lines, causing a leak. Check under your car for fluid puddles for one of these signs of bad brake calipers:
- Fluid color. Brake fluid typically looks clear, yellowish-amber, or brownish if it is old and in need of replacement. Fluid puddles of these colors could indicate a brake fluid leak.
- Location of the puddles. A brake fluid leak should leave puddles under your vehicle. Check where you normally park your vehicle, then check the puddle location relative to your car’s position. If the puddles are located near your wheels, the brake fluid leak may come from faulty calipers.
- Wet components. If your brake calipers, discs, and the inside of your wheels appear moist, wet, or covered in fluid, it may indicate the leak is spraying on your wheel and brake components.
4. Car Pulling to One Side When Braking
In some cases, a bad brake caliper may no longer function correctly, causing braking issues and imbalances. When you press the brake pedal, one or multiple calipers may fail to engage or remain stuck after letting go.
If you have a single malfunctioning caliper or multiple on the same side of the car, you may feel the car pull to the side as if it’s being dragged away. Generally, it will pull to the side of the car with the most functioning brakes. For example, if you have one caliper that won’t engage on the left, your vehicle will pull to the right when braking.
5. Unevenly Worn Brake Pads
A stuck or malfunctioning brake caliper will likely cause issues with your brake pads. It can happen regardless of whether you can feel your car pulling in either direction while braking.
Stuck calipers will apply continuous pressure to the brake pads against the discs. Even if they don’t affect braking performance, the constant pressure causes wear and tear. When you bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection, a mechanic may discover that your brake pads have worn out unevenly. Consider scheduling a brake service to inspect and replace your calipers as necessary.
6. Unusual Sounds and Smells
Brake calipers going bad can cause unusual sounds or, in more severe cases, bad smells, including:
- Squealing sound when not braking. This may not necessarily be a brake caliper issue if you hear squealing while braking. The most common explanation is that brake pads are wearing out and must be replaced.
However, pay close attention to your car’s sounds when your foot is not on the brake pedal. If you hear the squealing when not braking, one of your calipers might be stuck on the disc. Schedule a brake inspection to have it addressed as soon as possible. - Burning or chemical smell. In some cases, stuck brake calipers can cause the brake discs to overheat and emit a distinctive scent. The smell resembles burning metal or an acrid, unpleasant chemical scent.
If you detect this smell after braking, especially if you also hear squealing when not braking, schedule a brake service immediately. You may have a bad brake caliper, which causes your discs to wear out quickly and increases the risk of a brake failure.
Get Top-Quality Brake Repairs and Service with Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Your brakes are your first layer of security against road hazards. Properly functioning brakes keep you and your family safe while driving. If you detect one of the signs of a bad brake caliper, schedule a brake service at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Our team is trained to work on vehicles of all makes and models and can help you keep your car brakes in top condition. Schedule a service with our service department today or visit us near Albion, MI.
