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Can you drive with a loose Caliper? The simple answer is NO. The reason is that brake calipers are meant to be secured to their seat with bolts and guide pins that fit firmly through bushings.
This is to keep the caliper suspended properly so that the brake pads can successfully make contact with the rotor, and the vehicle stops when they’re applied.
Now, if the calipers are loosed, they will flop around and make a clicking sound that emanates from that wheel. I need not tell you what an unwanted sound in any part of a car can cause.
In this article, you will be learning more about a loose caliper.
What is Caliper all About?
The calipers or to be precise, brake calipers are some of the most essential parts of modern disc brake systems.
They work hand in hand with the brake pads and rotors, along with the rest of the hydraulic system, to slow and stop the car.
Whenever the pedal is pressed, the brake fluid pressure is pushed through the master cylinder to the caliper, which extends the piston and pressures the brake pads against the rotors to slow the car.
What is The Symptom of a Loose Caliper?
Whenever you notice any sort of high-pitched noises, sudden thudding, or impact sounds when you apply the brakes, it is a sign of a loose caliper. Although, there can be other potential outcomes like sticking or binding caliper.
However, a brake caliper in this condition will not be able to properly stop the car, thus, may even result in premature brake wear. Therefore, you should always be on alert to any abnormal sounds from the wheels whenever you brake.
Why Do I Have a Loose Caliper?
Most times, worn rotors or pads do not commonly make calipers loose; however, they can severely damage the calipers, especially the caliper ears in those with sliding pins.
Meanwhile, severe rattling can make things loose, damage holes, and so on. Hence, if they happen to be damaged, they will make the caliper feel loose.
Can You Drive With a Loose Caliper?
The question should be; is it safe to drive with a loose caliper? Just as it is dangerous when you drive with a stuck caliper, it is equally dangerous to drive with a loose caliper.
Whenever you notice the signs of loose caliper, and you still continue to drive, it will make the car not to stop properly, and failure to fix it can cause premature brake wear. Hence, it isn’t advisable to do that to avoid further dangers.
Remember, that calipers hold the brake pads, therefore, when it is loose, it will lose its grip on the brake pad; hence, causing brake rattle, which in turn will mean a loose wheel, and you know what that means.
Therefore, just like other car problems, especially brake related issues, it’s advisable to fix a loose brake caliper immediately to avoid potentially dangerous moments.
What Kind of Sound Does a Loose Caliper Make?
As we earlier said, you should be very attentive to notice the clicking sound of a loose caliper that comes from the wheel whenever it flops around.
Each brake has a backing plate attached to the back of it. Whenever, the plate is bent inward, it will rub against the rotor or caliper, hence, resulting in a clicking sound. It could be a squealing or metallic rubbing noise.
Is There Supposed to Be a Loose Caliper?
Your caliper shouldn’t be loosed at all. Whenever your pads wear, the moving part of the caliper slides in to keep all that tight and the piston stays out and keeps the back pad close to the rotor.
Therefore, you ought to look at the caliper bolts at the back and the carriage bolts as well.
How Can You Tighten a Loose Caliper?
We have decided to conclude by highlighting five steps you need in order to tighten a loose caliper. They are as follows;
- Carefully and correctly remove the brake caliper bolts.
- Critically examine the bolt and bolt holes on the spindle.
- Use a thread cleaner or thread chaser to rethread the bolt hole.
- Install all new brake system components.
- Ensure you use the recommended torque pressure to tighten the brake caliper bolts.
Conclusion
So can you drive with a loose caliper? Hopefully, you already the answer to this question as well as how to tighten your loose caliper.
Meanwhile, if you find it difficult to fix your loose caliper as it is been recommended, it’s best to contact the services of an experienced car mechanic or engineer, than to continue to drive it in that condition.
This will make you avoid further potential problems or likely damages.
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