Brake Calipers

The calipers transform the hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder into the mechanical force required to force the brake pads against the rotors, to slow and stop a vehicle with disc brakes. All of them have one or more bores in the caliper body containing piston(s), seals, and dust boots, one or more bleeder screws to bleed air from the hydraulic system, and a port to which the brake line or hose is connected. Most OE type caliper bodies are made of cast iron and the caliper pistons are of steel or phenolic construction.

There are two kinds of calipers, floating and fixed. The latter have multiple pistons on each side that apply equal pressure to the pads when the brakes are applied. Floating calipers have one or more pistons on the inboard side of the caliper and the caliper body slides on pins. When the brakes are applied the caliper body moves inward as the caliper pistons move outward, clamping the rotor with the disc brake pads. Some rear wheel calipers incorporate a screw type parking brake mechanism to mechanically apply the brake pads. When brake pads are replaced, a special tool must be used to bottom the pistons in the bores.

Caliper defects can cause a number of brake system problems. A low or sinking brake pedal can be caused by a leaking caliper. A brake pull or dragging brakes can be caused by a seized caliper piston, which can also be indicated by uneven pad wear. A floating caliper that can’t move freely because of worn or rusted caliper slide pins can also cause uneven pad wear, as well as brake drag. Inspect the caliper carefully, looking for leaks, torn caliper piston and slide pin boots, worn or missing hardware, and any other defects. If caliper service is required, we have a number of options to offer you.

Our basic replacement calipers are precision manufactured and pressure tested and come with new seals, dust boots, and bleeder screws. Or step up to semi-loaded calipers that also include hardware and brackets as required. For a complete repair job you can’t do better than our loaded calipers that come with all new pistons, seals and boots, hardware and clips to ensure smooth, noise free performance, and application specific brake pads. These calipers are ready to install over the rotor right out of the box. We also carry a large selection of individual components and repair kits if you want to rebuild your calipers.

Original equipment brake calipers are fine for shuttling from home to work, school, stores and back, but not really suited to performance driving or hauling down a heavily laden truck or tow rig, and rusty OE calipers sure aren’t what you want to see behind a set of large diameter custom wheels. The performance calipers you’ll find here on our digital shelves have a number of advantages over factory calipers – they can vastly improve the stopping power and overall performance of your car or truck, while presenting an appearance you’ll be proud to show off.

We offer performance brake calipers for every application and budget, everything from economical 1-piston and 2-piston cast calipers with an attractive powder coated finish that are perfect for a daily driver, to lightweight, billet aluminum 8-piston calipers that are right at home on the race track. Our daily driver calipers will bolt right on in place of your OE calipers, and feature premium high-temperature EPDM boots and seals, and new pins and stainless steel hardware clips. They’re finished with an electrostatic high-heat powder coated finish that looks great and resists corrosion.