All automobiles comes with parts that are made to damage at some point. When these parts gets spoilt, the best solution would be to have them replaced.
Having a stuck brake caliper is not safe since it houses the car’s brake pads and pistons that slow the car’s wheels by creating friction with the brake rotors whenever the brake is applied. The caliper is installed on the wheel’s rotor to prevent the wheel from turning when you step on the brakes.
Imagine pressing the brake when needed and removing your foot from the pedal only to find out that the pedal is not releasing? What will you do? How do you temporary fix a stuck brake caliper?
To temporary fix for a stuck brake caliper, you need to drain the excessive brake fluid on the brake fluid reservoir to the maximum level to avoid overfilling. Since overfilling the brake fluid reservoir is the common cause of stuck brake calipers, draining the excess brake fluid from the reservoir will stop the caliper from getting stuck.
Temporary Fix for Stuck Brake Caliper
Draining and reducing the brake fluid to the maximum level without the fluid being at the very top of the brake fluid reservoir is the temporary fix for a stuck brake caliper because, overfilling the brake fluid reservoir is the most common cause of stuck brake fluid.
Some people top up or replaces their brake fluid each time they changed their brake pads, pistons, rotors, etc., which may lead to overfilling.
While adding the brake fluid, it may be at the maximum level but anytime your brake pads gets worn out and thinner, it creates more space and take more fluid from the reservoir.
If you continue to top up your brake fluid because the pads are getting worn and requiring more fluid, sooner or later, you will be left with excessive fluid in the brake lines which may push back to the reservoir when next you’re doing a brake check.
Therefore, if you just installed new brakes pads, rotors, etc., and topped up your brake fluid before experiencing stuck brake caliper, the problem could be that you may have overfilled the brake fluid. The solution would be to drain out the fluid to the maximum level.
Be that as it may, it’s important to note that draining out excessive fluid from brake fluid reservoir will not just fix the stuck brake caliper temporary, it can also fix it permanently.
This is because, so many people have found themselves in this kind of situation and it happened that having excessive fluid in the reservoir is the culprit.
Therefore, if you are driving and your brake caliper starts to stick, drive to a safe place and pull over.
- Ensure that where you’re pulling over is a safe place to avoid being rubbed.
- After you had pulled over, open your car hood and inspect the brake fluid reservoir.
- If the reservoir is filled with fluid right at the top, then, you have found your problem.
- Find something and drain the brake fluid from the reservoir till it gets to the maximum level.
- After the fluid is drained to the maximum level, start the car and pump your brakes by stepping on your brake for some time before driving off.
While driving, ensure to observe whether the caliper is still sticking or not. Nonetheless, following this procedure should fix your stuck brake caliper problem permanently.
Meanwhile, if overfilling is not the problem, you can still follow the procedure below to temporary fix a stuck brake caliper.
- If you’re driving when the caliper starts to stick, park at a safe place
- Inspect the tires to know which brake caliper is sticking
- Once you find the sticking caliper, jack the car up and remove the tire
- If the caliper is dirty, clean it with a brake cleaner, remove the brake pads and inspect the brake hose.
- If the brake fluid hose and brake pads are in good condition, reinstall the brake pads and the caliper, ensure you clean the caliper
- Put back your tire and pump the brakes. Start the car and see if the brakes are still sticking.
Some mechanics suggest hitting the caliper with a hammer to free a stuck caliper. This should be done with almost caution to avoid braking something.
However, if after doing all these, the brake caliper is still stuck, do not drive the vehicle anymore. Tow the car to an auto shop or dealership and have them inspect the caliper for you.
What Causes Brake Caliper to Stick?
Causes of stuck brake caliper are:
1. Overfilled Brake Fluid
Overfilled brake fluid is the common cause of stuck brake calipers and the first place to check if your caliper is stuck. If the fluid is filled to the top on the reservoir, there won’t be enough breathing space for the hoses to push back oil and take it back in, hence why it’s stuck.
2. Rust
Rust can cause a stuck caliper hence why some mechanics suggests hitting the caliper with a hammer if overfilling is not the problem.
3. Broken Brake Fluid Hose
If the hose that supplies fluid to the brakes are broken, the caliper can get stuck because it’s not getting enough fluid to function.
4. Dirty or Old Brake Fluid
If the brake fluid has been in use for a long without replacement, it may have lost its value in the long run and is not able to function the way it should. This can cause the caliper to stick. Your brake fluids should be in good condition.
How Do You Know Your Caliper is Stuck?
You will know your caliper is stuck if you press the brake pedals and on removing your foot from the pedals, it refuses to release, then the caliper is stuck.
The second sign of a stuck brake caliper is cars that’s goes one side. If you notice that your vehicle is drifting to one side whether you use the brake or not, it could be a sign of a stuck brake caliper.
There might be a burning smell too if the caliper is stuck. So if you perceive burning like smell from your tires, it could be that your brakes are stuck.
Is it Safe to Drive with Stuck Brake Caliper?
No, it’s never safe to drive with stuck brake caliper as your brakes are affected. It will be difficult to control the car if you apply the brake pedals and it refuses to release.
If this continues, you might risk putting too much stress on your transmission, you brakes may catch little fire and burning smell, and your car may continue to drift to one side as you drive.
Can a Stuck Caliper Fix Itself?
A stuck brake caliper is likely not to repair itself, the problem that caused the caliper to stick has to be diagnosed and fixed, it may likely not fix itself.
How Far Can You Drive with a Stuck Brake Caliper?
You should not continue driving with a stuck brake caliper. Once you notice the caliper is stuck, pull over to a safe place and park the car. Do not continue to drive the car.
Conclusion
Checking your brake fluid reservoir for possible overfilling is the temporary fix for a stuck brake caliper. If overfilling is not the problem, then you may need to take your car to an auto shop or dealership for inspection.
You can also use a hammer to hit the stuck caliper as advised my some mechanics/technicians. I don’t advise you doing this yourself to avoid hitting the caliper so hard and spoiling other things.
