Does your BMW feel strange when you are applying the brakes? If you realize that your BMW is drifting towards one side when applying the brakes or hear some peculiar sounds each time you are slowing down then maybe it is high time to pay attention to your brake calipers. Calipers are components of your BMW’s disc brake system that are used to clamp the brake pads against the rotor to eventually decelerate the wheels.
At some point, the calipers may develop some issues such as wearing out or developing some mechanical issues which make your driving experience a very dangerous one. Here is a brief insight into what brake calipers do, and how to troubleshoot and fix the brake caliper problems on BMW easily.
What Are Brake Calipers?
Brake calipers are devices similar to clamps that squeeze brake pads against the rotating brake disc when the brake pedal is depressed. This friction means that the wheels will slow down and stop your car. Every caliper contains a piston that is moved when brake fluid moves it but in performance vehicles, you may find several pistons. If these components fail, they will negatively affect the safety of your BMW and may even bring down your confidence in the car while driving.
How To Diagnose BMW Brake Caliper Problems
- Visual Inspection: Possible issues with the brake calipers of your BMW can be determined by carrying out a simple inspection of the part. If you see uneven brake pad wear, rust on the aluminum calipers or both, any physical damage to the rotors, or if there is brake fluid leakage around the caliper, it is time for a brake job.
- Test Drive: The second step is to go for a test drive in your BMW. Drive steadily and press the brake pedals lightly. Take note of the car and see whether it starts to pull to one side, you hear new sounds, the brakes do not have the same impact they used to, or if the brake pedal is soft. Most of the time, such symptoms are associated with caliper issues.
- Check Brake Pad And Caliper: Take off the wheel for a better view of the brake pad and rotor. Inconsistencies in wear that are found on the pads or grooves in the rotors can be an indication of sticking calipers. If you are quite well acquainted with brake maintenance, you can remove the caliper to look at the pistons. You can attempt to shove the pistons in and out to know whether they can easily slide. Basically, sticking pistons are one of the leading causes of brake problems and may be solved by cleaning, lubrication, or replacement of the caliper.
- Fluid Check: The brake fluid should be checked by turning the cap of the reservoir and looking at its state. Contaminated or low fluid will affect the function of the caliper and should be refilled or replaced. If you do not know what went wrong with your car, then it is high time to go to a reputable European car repair shop for a diagnosis to be made.
How To Repair Most Common Brake Caliper Issues
- Replace Worn Brake Pads and Rotors: If irregular wearing of brake pads is the problem, then change the pads and the rotors. However, make sure that the root cause of the caliper problem has also been solved so that it does not reoccur. The sticking of pistons is easily solved by cleaning and lubricating the pistons to regain their normal functioning. If sticking is serious or the damage is extensive then it may be necessary to actually replace the caliper.
- Replace Damaged Seals And Caliper: If the seals are leaking, fit a new seal kit or replace the caliper because all the seals need to be secure to avoid leakage. Rusty or heavily corroded calipers must be replaced to ensure safety.
Ignoring any signs can lead to increased complications to your BMW brakes so there’s the need to pay attention to them and have the necessary maintenance done on time.
Call On Heynneman European Whenever You Need BMW Brake Services
Heynneman European is a company that is focused on the servicing, repair, and care of European luxury vehicles including the BMWs. All our experienced technicians are well equipped to work on any type of brake and brake calipers whether simple or complicated. We are based in San Rafael, CA, and we pride ourselves on the quality of our services to our clients including those from nearby cities such as San Anselmo, Larkspur, Kentfield, Fairfax, Corte, and Mill Valley. If you are having brake issues, don’t think twice, contact us to book an appointment now!