Having your Jeep Wrangler brake caliper sticking can be quite frustrating and dangerous. When a brake caliper sticks, it doesn’t release the brake pads from the rotor even when you’re not applying the brakes. This can cause your brakes to overheat, wear out your brake pads and even cause your wheels to lock up, leading to accidents.
But what are the Sticking Brake Caliper Symptoms? What causes a caliper to keep sticking? And most importantly, how do you get your brake caliper to stop sticking? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more, so keep reading.
What Causes a Caliper to Keep Sticking?
There are several reasons why a caliper might keep sticking. Some of the most common causes include:
Corrosion: Over time, the caliper slides and bolts can corrode, causing the caliper to stick.
Brake Fluid Contamination: Moisture and debris can get into your brake fluid, causing it to become contaminated. This can lead to corrosion of the caliper pistons, which can cause them to stick.
Worn Caliper Pistons: Caliper pistons can wear out over time, causing them to get stuck in the caliper bore.
Bad Brake Hoses: If your brake hoses are old or damaged, they can collapse under pressure, preventing the brake fluid from flowing back into the master cylinder. This can cause the caliper to stick.
Caliper Slides: The caliper slides are responsible for moving the caliper back and forth when you apply and release the brakes. If these slides are dirty or corroded, they can prevent the caliper from releasing properly.
Sticking Brake Caliper Symptoms:
A sticking brake caliper can cause a number of symptoms that indicate that there is an issue with your brakes. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a sticking brake caliper:
- Pulling: If your vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it may be due to a sticking caliper. When one caliper is not releasing properly, it can cause uneven braking, leading to the vehicle pulling to one side.
- Vibration: A sticking caliper can cause your brake system to overheat, leading to excessive wear and warping of the brake rotor. This can cause a noticeable vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal when you apply the brakes.
- Uneven brake pad wear: A caliper that is not releasing properly can cause one brake pad to wear faster than the other. This can lead to uneven brake pad wear and a loss of braking performance.
- Squeaking or grinding noise: A sticking caliper can cause the brake pad to drag against the rotor, leading to a high-pitched squeaking or grinding noise when you apply the brakes.
- Overheating: If your brake system is overheating, it may be due to a sticking caliper. Overheating can cause the brake fluid to boil, leading to a loss of braking power and increased risk of accidents.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your brakes inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Neglecting brake issues can lead to further damage to your brake system and put you and other drivers at risk on the road.
How To Stop a Caliper from Sticking?
Now that we know what causes a brake caliper to stick let’s discuss how to fix it.
Clean and Lubricate the Caliper Slides:
If your caliper slides are dirty or corroded, you’ll need to clean and lubricate them. Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to remove any dirt or corrosion, then apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the slides.
Replace the Brake Hoses:
If your brake hoses are old or damaged, replace them with new ones. This will ensure that the brake fluid can flow freely, preventing the caliper from sticking.
Replace the Caliper Pistons:
If your caliper pistons are worn out, you’ll need to replace them. You can buy a caliper piston kit, which includes new pistons, seals, and boots.
Bleed the Brakes:
If there’s air in your brake lines, it can prevent the brake fluid from flowing properly. Bleeding the brakes will remove any air and ensure that the brake fluid can flow freely.
Replace the Caliper:
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to replace the brake caliper altogether. This is a more expensive option but may be necessary if the caliper is severely damaged.
Why is My Caliper not Releasing?
If your caliper is not releasing, it could be due to several reasons. Some of the most common causes include corrosion, brake fluid contamination, worn caliper pistons, bad brake hoses and caliper slides.
Can Master Cylinder Cause Caliper to Stick?
Yes, a faulty master cylinder can cause the caliper to stick. The master cylinder is responsible for distributing hydraulic pressure to the brakes, and if it is not working properly, it can cause the brake fluid to not flow correctly to the caliper.
This can lead to the caliper not releasing properly, causing the brake pads to drag against the rotor, overheating the brake system and causing premature wear of the brake components.
Brake Caliper Sticking When Hot?
A brake caliper can stick when hot due to several reasons, including worn brake components, damaged brake hoses, or a malfunctioning caliper. When a caliper sticks, it can cause uneven braking, vibration, pulling to one side and other symptoms.
If you suspect that your caliper is sticking when hot, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic to prevent further damage to your brake system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having your Jeep Wrangler brake caliper sticking can be a serious issue that requires immediate attention. By understanding the causes of caliper sticking and following the steps to fix it, you can ensure that your brakes are working properly and prevent accidents on the road.
