WARNING: A stuck caliper can reach 1,000°F - hot enough to ignite brake fluid Schedule Service NOW

Sticking Brake Caliper: Symptoms You Can't Afford to Ignore

That slight drag is costing you money and safety every mile:

  • Wears pads 5x faster on one side
  • Reduces fuel economy by 15-20%
  • Warps rotors in as little as 50 miles
Sticking brake caliper causing uneven wear

5 Telltale Signs of a Sticking Caliper

Hot Wheel

Test: Compare wheel temperatures after driving

Dangerous if too hot to touch

Vehicle Pulling

When: Especially noticeable when braking

Causes dangerous swerving

Burning Smell

Caused by: Overheated pads/rotors

Potential fire hazard

Poor Fuel Economy

Why: Constant drag increases resistance

Adds $200+/year in gas

Uneven Pad Wear

Check: Inner vs outer pad thickness difference

Indicates slide pin failure

How Long Until Catastrophic Damage?

First 50 Miles
Rotor warping begins
100-200 Miles
Brake fluid overheats
300+ Miles
Seal failure leads to total brake loss
Pro Tip: We measure caliper slide pin resistance with precision gauges - most shops just eyeball it

Professional Repair Solutions

Caliper Rebuild

Best for: Early detection

$120-$250
  • New seals and dust boots
  • Slide pin lubrication
  • 6-month warranty

Caliper Replacement

Best for: Severe cases

$200-$400
  • New or remanufactured caliper
  • Includes hardware
  • 1-year warranty

Axle Pair Replacement

Best for: High-mileage vehicles

$350-$600
  • Both calipers replaced
  • Prevents uneven braking
  • 2-year warranty

Don't Let a $20 Part Cause $600 in Damage

Our mobile brake service can rebuild or replace calipers at your home or office

All repairs include free post-service brake test