Why Doesn't the Disc Brake Caliper Piston Retract?
2 Answers
Disc brake seizure and failure to retract are caused by water entering the brake fluid, leading to rust on the caliper piston. Below are the reasons why the brake pedal becomes hard and difficult to press: 1. Vacuum booster issue: This situation definitely indicates a problem with the vacuum booster. Whether at low speed or not, under normal driving conditions, the negative pressure in the intake pipe should draw air into the vacuum booster. 2. Vacuum booster air leak: The vacuum booster is always in a state of energy storage. If the brake pedal becomes hard after one press, it might be due to too low speed and too high a gear, resulting in insufficient intake negative pressure to draw air. However, if the pedal is hard on the first press, it definitely means the vacuum booster is leaking air. 3. Hydraulic brake system: Because a hydraulic brake system is used. When the engine is off, the hydraulic pump driving the hydraulic brakes is not working, causing a sharp increase in brake resistance, which is reflected in the pedal becoming very heavy and hard.
I encountered this situation when repairing my car before. The disc brake caliper piston not retracting is often due to dirt or rust jamming the internal structure of the piston, preventing it from flexibly expanding and contracting. If the brake fluid hasn't been changed for a long time, it absorbs moisture and thickens, forming impurities that block the oil circuit, or the sealing ring ages and leaks oil—these are all common issues. When the piston gets stuck, the vehicle may experience brake dragging, tire overheating or even smoking, a sharp increase in fuel consumption, and in severe cases, it may cause a fire or brake failure. For safety, don't force it to drive; go to a professional repair shop immediately for inspection. You might need to replace the piston or clean the entire caliper assembly. For regular maintenance, remember to change the brake fluid every two years to avoid small problems turning into big troubles.