To know what the heck a caliper IS, we must first explore what the heck a caliper IS NOT. A caliper is not:
This was not once a caliper, unless it was in a previous life.
So…what the heck is it, then?
A caliper is an essential part of a disc braking system, which is in most vehicles today. It houses the brake pads, and slows down the vehicle.
Casa de brake pads. Muy importante.
When the brake is engaged, the caliper uses hydraulic pressure to push the brake pads against the rotors to create friction and slow the vehicle down. In other words:
This is what happens when you interrupt a cylinder/brake pad dance party by pouring brake fluid on the cylinders. It makes them think that the brake pads did it, so they get angry and push the brake pads against the rotor.
The best thing to do if you’re experiencing ANY brake issues is to take it to your local, friendly Chad Miller Auto Care as soon as possible.
So, there you have it. Now you know what a caliper is NOT, what it IS, and how it works. Don’t be like our bulldog friend and wait for the brakes to fail completely before having your trusted mechanic look at them. It could save your life!
Tell me what other automotive parts baffle you. I’ll tell you what the heck they are!
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