Brake Calipers

Your original Acura brake calipers are integral to how well the brakes in your car or SUV work. What brake calipers do is straightforward. They clamp your brake rotors. This creates friction between the rotors and your brake pads. This friction slows and stops your vehicle's wheels and tires. How brake calipers work is a little more complicated. When you step on your brake pedal, your master brake cylinder moves brake fluid back and forth. It uses an array of brake hoses and valves to do it. The fluid pressurizes pistons in the calipers. This makes the pads press the rotors. That's how you get the friction for slowing and stopping. The process creates a lot of heat, though, and sooner or later, it can adversely affect even the best Acura brake calipers from the factory. Excess heat decays their seals, even under everyday driving conditions, filling the calipers themselves with contaminants. They usually rust afterward. Luckily, the signs your brake calipers are going bad are evident. Listen for continuous squealing or grinding. Look for a brake or ABS warning light on the dash. You can also feel for abnormal pressure when braking. Other symptoms range from brake fluid leaks in your engine compartment or wheel area to the need to pump your brakes to get them to work right. Your vehicle can even start pulling sideways when you brake. In these cases, change your brake calipers. Your best replacements are genuine Acura, as brake calipers made by a manufacturer for its vehicles specifically fit them best. You can order them online from our auto parts counter in a few clicks. Check another repair job off your list -- buy now.