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      Your concern might be complex to diagnose and may require additional equipment to pinpoint the cause. In this case, you'll receive Digital Inspection results plus a quote to perform deeper diagnostic/test procedures.
      Home / Symptoms / Brake Caliper Issue

      Hey, Why Is My Car Braking Weird?

      If you are short on time and want to fast-track the process to professional help, click
      Four common causes for weird braking from a vehicle and their related parts.
      The brake caliper is designed to press the brake pads into the rotor to stop the vehicle. The brake caliper is activated hydraulically by brake fluid from the master cylinder that is controlled directly by the brake pedal and ultimately the driver. If everything works correctly when the driver presses the brake pedal the caliper squeezes the brake pads against the rotor and the vehicle slows down. If some part of this system malfunctions the brakes may still be applied slightly and cause extra drag on the vehicle even when the brake pedal is not pushed.

      Is Your Car Braking Weird?

      Your car is braking weirdly because something in the brake system is sticky; it can be the brake pads, the caliper pins, the caliper piston, or even the emergency brake cable. This stickiness happens because of contaminated brake fluid or overall rust and weariness.

      Brake caliper issues are usually serious. This malfunction can risk your vehicle's integrity and safety on the road. Instead, take control of the situation and arm yourself with knowledge of the causes and solutions.

      Don't wait for the problem to worsen. Instead, consider contacting a trusted technician for professional assistance when you notice a sticking brake caliper. Taking swift action now can save you time, money, and peace of mind in the future.

      Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!

      Is your vehicle pulling to one side when you brake?

      You might also notice smoke coming from one of the wheels, the vehicle slowing down by itself, fluid leaks from a wheel, and unusual sounds.

      Brake pads are attached to your car's caliper saddle. The saddle has metal slides that keep the pads in place and help them apply pressure to the rotor. If these slides become clogged with rust or debris, the pads can stick and cause uneven wear. When only one of the slides sticks, it'll pull the vehicle in one direction when braking.

      Is your fuel economy dropping?

      You might also notice extra vibrations when braking, an increased stopping distance, a burning smell when driving, and wheel overheating.

      Caliper pins should move smoothly to let the caliper float and apply pressure to the brake pads and rotor. If the pins get rusty, sticky, or freeze, the caliper won't move as smoothly, causing excessive drag and decreasing fuel economy.

      Is your vehicle pulling in one direction while driving freely?

      Also, you might be experiencing odd behaviors from the brake pedal, unusual sounds, burning smells, and vibrations when braking.

      Brake hoses flex every time you hit the brakes, wearing down over time. In addition, if the hoses break inside, they create a one-way valve that holds pressure against the caliper even after releasing the brakes. This problem can cause the vehicle to pull in one direction even while driving straight and may also result in external leaks.

      Is your steering wheel vibrating when you brake?

      The brake caliper piston has a dust boot to remove dust and debris. It also has an o-ring that seals the fluid and acts as a return spring. If dirt or water gets in between the piston and the bore, it sticks, causing problems. Brake fluid contamination can also cause rust and debris, leading to a sticky piston. This results in excessive heat, warped rotors, and a vibrating steering wheel when braking.

      Does your vehicle feel like it's constantly braking slightly?

      You may also notice smoke from one of the wheels, leaking brake fluid, extra heat around the wheels, and a gas mileage drop.

      The emergency brake cable is steel and stays inside a rubber sleeve. It connects the emergency brake handle to the brake caliper. If the sleeve gets dirty or rusty, the cable can stick, causing the caliper to stay engaged even after releasing the emergency brake handle. With the caliper engaged, the brakes slightly apply.

      Is the car making grinding noises when you brake?

      The master cylinder helps your car stop by sending pressure to the brake pads. But the brakes might not work correctly if dirt, debris, or worn parts get in the way. This issue can lead to a lack of brakes, a soft pedal, or brakes that don't release fully. These problems can wear down your brake pads and rotors, causing a grinding noise. Keep your brakes in top shape by preventing contaminants from getting in and replacing worn parts.

      Find Professional Help

      Please select your vehicle's brand and location so we can locate the best professional help for you
      If you are a shop owner and sick of business directories that are based on the cost of repair, AutoTechIQ is for you. If your customers receive Digital Inspection results then AutoTechIQ is definitely for you. Check out the certification page or how to rank in your area.

      Vehicle Health Inspection Proof

      Explore the following typical inspection results that show a potential cause for the symptom and select the one you believe is similar to your vehicle's issue.

      • Sticking emergency brake cable
      • Master cylinder failure
      • Brake hose internal damage
      • Sticking brake pad slides
      • Sticking caliper piston
      • Sticking caliper pins
      Sticking emergency brake cable

      This proof image shows the emergency brake cable. The red arrows point to stuck parts responsible for slightly applying the brakes.

      A customer reported that their vehicle felt like the brakes were always on. They noticed the car required more pressure on the accelerator pedal to move, only to stop if you didn't press it hard enough.

      The technician confirmed that the brakes were constantly active during the test drive.

      During a vehicle health inspection, they ensured to release the emergency brake, but it still felt tight. The technician discovered that the emergency caliper arms were bending themselves in a grasp. This problem caused the rear tires to behave like the brakes were active.

      The technician forced the brake calipers to a release position to fix the issue. This position allowed the rear tires to spin freely. However, when applying the emergency brake, it stuck again. The technician concluded that the emergency brake cables were stuck internally and needed replacement.

      Does the issue look like this? if not accessible your shop will document it

      Typical Fixes to Address the Cause(s)

      The following chapters bases themselves on experiences from our auto repair shop; we'll describe related problems' causes and fixes.

      • "Brake caliper replacement" fixes "Sticking brake pad slides"

        • Axle Seal Replacement

          Transmission Output Shaft Seal Replacement
          Transmission cooler replacement
          Pinion Shaft Seal Replacement
          Axle Shaft Seal Replacement
          Brake Pad Replacement
          Brake Lining Replacement
          Brake Rotor Replacement
          Brake caliper replacement
          Brake System Fluid Exchange
          Brake System Fluid Flush
          Axle Bearing Replacement
          Axle Shaft Replacement
          Axle Vent Inspection and Cleaning
          Differential Fluid Exchange
          Brake Shoe Replacement
          Wheel speed sensor replacement
          Emergency brake cable replacement
          Wheel cylinder replacement
          Transmission pan gasket replacement
          Brake drum replacement
          Brake hardware replacement
          Brake system flush
          Transmission line replacement
          Transmission shift shaft seal replacement
          Transmission wiring harness seal replacement
          Transmission system flush

        • Brake Pad Replacement

          Brake Lining Replacement
          Brake Lining Wear Sensors Replaced
          Brake Rotor Replacement
          Brake caliper replacement
          Brake System Fluid Exchange
          Brake System Fluid Flush
          Brake Shoe Replacement
          Wheel bearing replacement
          Brake fluid exchange
          Rotor replacement
          Wheel bearing repack
          Brake hose replacement
          Wheel cylinder replacement
          Brake fluid flush
          drum replacement
          Resurface drums
          Resurface rotors
          Brake cable replacement
          Brake shoes replacement
          Brake rotors replacement
          Brake drum replacement
          Hand torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern

        • Brake Rotor Replacement

          Brake Lining Replacement
          Brake caliper replacement
          Brake System Fluid Exchange
          Brake System Fluid Flush

        • Brake Shoe Replacement

        • Wheel bearing replacement

          Brake Pad Replacement
          Brake caliper replacement
          Brake Shoe Replacement
          Tire replacement
          Rotor replacement
          Brake hose replacement
          Wheel cylinder replacement
          Brake fluid flush
          drum replacement
          Resurface drums
          Resurface rotors
          Brake cable replacement

        • Rotor replacement

          Brake Rotor Replacement

        • Wheel speed sensor replacement

          Axle Bearing Replacement
          Wiring harness replacement
          Sensor pigtail replacement
          wheel hub and bearing assembly replacement
          Constant velocity axle replacement
          Brake pedal sensor replacement
          Traction control module replacement
          Blown fuses replacement
          Steering angle sensor replacement
          Miscalibrated sensor replacement
          Brake pedal assembly replacement
          Computer Software update
          Steering column replacement
          Clock spring replacement
          Wiring harness repair or replacement
          Anti-lock brake module replacement
          Anti-lock brake motor replacement
          Brake system flush

        • Brake hose replacement

          Axle Seal Replacement
          Brake Pad Replacement
          Brake Rotor Replacement
          Brake caliper replacement
          Brake Shoe Replacement
          Wheel speed sensor replacement
          Wiring harness repair or replacement
          Anti-lock brake module replacement
          Emergency brake cable replacement
          Brake fluid replacement
          Brake pad slides cleaned and lubed
          Brake caliper slides cleaned and lubed
          Brake line replacement
          Wheel cylinder replacement
          Brake drum replacement
          Brake hardware replacement
          Anti-lock brake motor replacement
          Brake system flush

        • Emergency brake cable replacement

          Emergency brake cable replacement middle

        • Brake fluid replacement

        • Brake pad slides cleaned and lubed

        • Brake caliper slides cleaned and lubed

        • Brake line replacement

        • Wheel cylinder replacement

        • Brake fluid flush

        • drum replacement

        • Resurface drums

        • Resurface rotors

        • Brake cable replacement

        • Brake rotors replacement

          Brake Pad Replacement
          Brake caliper replacement
          Brake Shoe Replacement
          Wheel bearing replacement
          Rotor replacement
          Brake hose replacement
          Wheel cylinder replacement
          Brake fluid flush
          drum replacement
          Resurface drums
          Resurface rotors
          Brake cable replacement

        • Brake drum replacement

        • Hand torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern

        • Brake hardware replacement

          Axle Seal Replacement
          Brake Pad Replacement
          Brake Rotor Replacement
          Brake caliper replacement
          Wheel speed sensor replacement
          Wiring harness repair or replacement
          Anti-lock brake module replacement
          Emergency brake cable replacement
          Wheel cylinder replacement
          Brake drum replacement
          Anti-lock brake motor replacement
          Brake system flush

        The AutoTechIQ ranking for Safety, Cost Avoidance, and Environmental Impact is

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      • "Caliper slide pins cleaning and lubing" fixes "Sticking caliper pins"

      • "Brake hose replacement" fixes "Brake hose internal damage"

      • "Front brake calipers/pads/rotors replacement" fixes "Sticking caliper piston"

      • "Emergency cable replacement" fixes "Sticking emergency brake cable"

      Sometimes a problem is more challenging to describe than it initially looked like. If you are not sure your problem is described by this article, please find below similar vehicle symptoms, which might describe better the issue you are experiencing.

      Vehicle Symptoms

      Below are just a few examples of typical Symptoms and Fixes your car might be experiencing

      Four common causes for grinding brakes from a vehicle and their related parts.

      Hey, Why Is My Car Grinding When I Brake?

      The grinding sounds commonly come from worn or rusty brake pads touchi...
      Four common causes for a vehicle not starting and their related parts.

      Hey, Why Won't My Car Start?

      Your car isnrsquot starting because of a battery problem The battery m...
      Four common causes for the vehicle engine sputtering and their related parts.

      Hey, Why Is My Car's Engine Sputtering?

      The engine is sputtering because of a faulty fuel pump or mechanical f...
      Four common causes for a vehicle steering wheel shaking and their related parts.

      Hey, Why Is My Car's Steering Wheel Shaking?

      The steering wheel is shaking because of bad suspension tirerelated is...
      Four common causes for transmission slipping from the vehicle and their related parts.

      Hey, Why Is My Car's Transmission Slipping?

      The transmission feels like slipping because its fluid level is low Ho...
      Four common causes for brake vibrations from the vehicle and their related parts.

      Hey, Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?

      Your car is shaking while braking because of wheelrelated issues warpe...
      Four common causes for vehicle overheating and their related parts.

      Hey, Why is My Car Overheating?

      An overheating car sends obvious signs of danger steam from the hood f...
      Four common causes for vehicle stuck brake pads and their related parts.

      Hey, Why Is My Car's Brake Pad Sticking?

      The brake pad is possibly getting stuck because the caliper piston is ...
      Four common causes for the vehicle struggling to start in the cold and related parts.

      Hey, Why Does My Car Struggle To Start When Its Engine Is Cold?

      The engine struggles to start in the cold because of the battery In th...
      Four common causes for the vehicle accelerating badly and their related parts.

      Hey, Why Is My Car Not Accelerating?

      Your car isnrsquot accelerating because it has a low fuel flow A clogg...
      Four common causes for the vehicle jerking when accelerating and their related parts.

      Hey, Why Does My Car Jerk When Accelerating?

      The car jerks when its not getting enough air or fuel or if therersquo...
      Four common causes for the vehicle stuck on “Park” mode and their related parts.

      Hey, Why Won't My Car Shift Out Of "Park"?

      It wonrsquot shift because the shift interlock is damaged the shifter ...

      Typical Fixes Pages