What is a Piston Caliper?
1 Answers
Brake calipers are the braking components that clamp the brake pads to achieve the braking effect when the brake pedal is pressed. The more pistons a car caliper has, the greater, more stable, and smoother the braking force. Below is relevant information about piston calipers:1. Principle of Piston Calipers: Calipers primarily use pistons to clamp the brake pads against the brake disc. Most standard vehicles use single-piston calipers, while sports sedans/performance cars upgrade to dual-piston calipers for better braking performance. Calipers with four or more pistons are commonly referred to as "big brake kits," with typical examples being the Evolution and WRX-STI series. The main internal components of a caliper include the pistons, piston seals, and dust boots. During operation, the pistons and caliper rub against each other. When the plastic components reach the end of their lifespan, issues like hardening or insufficient sealing may arise. If impurities enter the interior, rust can form, which over time may prevent the pistons from functioning properly, eventually leading to blockage.2. Piston Blockage: Once a piston is blocked, it cannot function normally. This not only reduces braking efficiency but also prevents the piston from completing its extension and retraction movements, causing the brake pads to remain stuck and continuously rub against the brake disc (this possibility cannot be ruled out). Over time, this can lead to uneven wear on the brake disc and pads. The cost of replacing discs and pads is not cheap, so next time, consider asking your mechanic to check if the pistons are functioning properly.
