What causes brake caliper to go bad?

Introduction to the working principle of calipers
Car calipers are the core components of disc brake caliper. They use hydraulic pressure to push the piston to squeeze the brake pads and generate braking force by friction with the brake disc. A healthy caliper should have good sealing, smooth piston movement, and stable structural strength.

Main causes and mechanisms of damage

1. Environmental corrosion
   Salt spray erosion: Salt in the air in coastal areas accelerates metal oxidation
   De-icing agent corrosion: Chemical corrosion caused by salting roads in winter
   Typical case: The rust rate of vehicle calipers in northern regions is 40% higher than that in the south

2. Mechanical wear
   Wear of piston seal ring leads to hydraulic oil leakage
   Abnormal wear caused by insufficient lubrication of guide pins
   Direct friction of metal backing plate with caliper after excessive wear of brake pads

3. Thermal damage
   Continuous downhill braking produces high temperature above 300℃
   Thermal deformation causes piston jamming
   High temperature causes brake fluid to vaporize and form air blockage

4. Pollutant intrusion
   Sediment enters piston cavity and wears seals
   Road antifreeze penetrates and corrodes metal
   Water intrusion causes piston rust

5. Improper installation
   Guide pin torque does not meet the standard (standard value is usually 35–45 N·m)
   Wrong use of piston return tool
   Brake pads are not installed in place

6. Material aging
   Rubber seals age naturally in 5–7 years
   Metal fatigue causes structural strength to decrease
   Dust cover cracks and loses its protective function

7. Hydraulic system problems
   Brake fluid contamination accelerates rubber parts degradation
   Hydraulic pipeline blockage leads to abnormal pressure
   Master cylinder failure causes hydraulic shock

8. Design defects
   Irrational heat dissipation structure
   Improper material selection
   Inadequate dustproof design

Prevention and maintenance suggestions

Regular inspection
Check piston movement every 10,000 kilometers
Check whether the dust cover is damaged
Measure the remaining thickness of the brake pad

Proper maintenance
Replace brake fluid every 2 years
Use special grease to maintain guide pins
Avoid high-pressure water gun direct spraying calipers when washing the car

Driving habits
Avoid long-term continuous braking
Lightly press the brake after wading to remove water
Do not wash the car immediately after parking

Maintenance precautions
Use original disc brake calipers or high-quality aftermarket brake caliper
Strictly install according to torque requirements
Check the caliper status when replacing brake pads—this is often a good time to consider brake caliper replacement if significant wear or damage is detected.

Caliper damage is often the result of multiple factors. By understanding these reasons, car owners can take targeted preventive measures to extend the service life of the caliper and ensure driving safety. When the above warning signals appear, it is recommended to go to a professional maintenance point for inspection immediately.