Brake Caliper: Testing and Inspection

Brake Caliper Inspection (With 2.0L, MFI, L4, DOHC, Turbo, Aluminum)

Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution .
Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Caution .
1. Inspect the brake caliper housing for cracks, excess wear, and/or damage. If any of these conditions are present, the brake caliper requires replacement.
2. Inspect the caliper piston dust boot seals for cracks, tears, cuts, deterioration and/or improper seating in the caliper body. If any of these conditions are present, the brake caliper requires overhaul or replacement.
3. Inspect for brake fluid leakage around the caliper piston dust boot seals and on the disc brake pads. If there is any evidence of brake fluid leakage, the brake caliper requires overhaul or replacement.
4. Inspect for smooth and complete travel of the caliper pistons, into the caliper bores:
The movement of a caliper pistons into a caliper bores should be smooth and even. If a caliper piston is frozen or difficult to bottom, the caliper requires overhaul or replacement.

Important: Use ONLY a plastic flat-bladed trim tool and/or another suitable soft tool when compressing the caliper pistons into the caliper piston bores. Never use any type of metal tool between the brake rotor and brake pads to compress the caliper pistons into the bores.


5. Carefully insert a plastic flat-bladed trim tool between the rotor and inboard brake pad.
6. Carefully apply pressure to the inboard brake pad until both caliper inner pistons are fully compressed into the caliper piston bores.
7. Carefully insert a plastic flat-bladed trim tool between the rotor and outboard brake pad.
8. Carefully apply pressure to the outboard brake pad until both caliper outer pistons are fully compressed into the bores.