What to Do When There Is Abnormal Noise Due to Excessive Brake Caliper Clearance?
2 Answers
Abnormal noise from the brake caliper indicates a malfunction. Inspect the brake caliper: If the piston ring of the brake caliper is stuck, the brake caliper needs to be replaced. If the metal plate fixing the brake pad is deformed, then this plate needs to be replaced. The brake caliper is an essential component of the braking system, primarily responsible for pushing the brake pads, which then rub against the brake drum to reduce speed and bring the vehicle to a stop. More relevant information is as follows: Note 1: When the brake pedal is pressed, the master cylinder generates thrust to push hydraulic oil to the caliper. The piston inside the caliper moves under hydraulic pressure to push the brake pads. The hydraulic brake system consists of the master cylinder and the brake fluid reservoir. One end is connected to the brake pedal, and the other end is connected to the brake fluid lines. The master cylinder contains brake fluid, with an outlet and an inlet. When the brake is pressed, the outlet opens, and the inlet closes. Note 2: Under the pressure of the piston in the cylinder, brake fluid is forced out of the lines and flows to each brake caliper to perform the braking function. When the brake pedal is released, the outlet in the master cylinder closes, and the inlet opens, allowing brake fluid to flow back from each caliper to the master cylinder, returning to the original state.
Last time I braked, I kept hearing a clunking sound. My mechanic friend said it was probably due to excessive clearance in the brake caliper. He taught me to first check the thickness of the brake pads—if they're worn beyond the limit, they need to be replaced. Then, remove the wheel hub and use a specialized tool to measure the piston clearance of the caliper, which was found to exceed the standard value of 0.5 mm. The key is to clean the stuck guide pins and apply high-temperature silicone grease for lubrication. During reassembly, pay special attention to the positioning of the spring clips and repeatedly test the piston rebound force. Later, I started rinsing the caliper during weekly car washes to prevent mud and debris buildup, and the noise never returned. In fact, adjusting the clearance properly even shortened the braking distance. Regular checks definitely pay off in the long run.