Why are TEI's calipers so cheap?
2 Answers
TEI's calipers are split-type calipers, which are relatively simple to manufacture, hence the lower price. Here is a detailed introduction about them: 1. There are two types of calipers: monoblock and split-type. Common BREMBO calipers are monoblock, while ALCON uses cast monoblock calipers. BREMBO uses heavier materials, which are much heavier compared to Endless MONO. MONO is a top-tier monoblock forged caliper. 2. The material of the pistons affects the heat transfer from the brake pads to the brake fluid lines: the poorer the material, the stronger the heat transfer. Pistons with weak heat insulation can cause the brake fluid to boil very quickly. Once the brake fluid boils, braking power effectively becomes zero.
I heard many people wonder why TEI calipers are so much cheaper? I've disassembled several sets for comparison, and the key lies in the basic materials. They use ordinary steel instead of forged alloy for the pistons, and the caliper body is made of cast iron with casting processes, saving up to 40% on material costs alone. Then there's R&D—while brands like Brembo invest heavily in wind tunnel testing in their labs, TEI simply modifies dimensions using existing market molds, resulting in shorter development cycles and naturally lower costs. But don’t get me wrong—they’re perfectly fine for daily street driving. However, if you push them hard on the track for just three laps, you’ll start smelling burning. For serious performance, it’s better to increase the budget and go for big-brand products.