Brake Caliper: Testing and Inspection

Brake Caliper Inspection

Warning: Refer to Brake Dust Warning (Brake Dust Warning).

Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning (Brake Fluid Irritant Warning).


Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution (Vehicle Damage Warnings).

1. Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement (Front Brake Caliper Replacement) or to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (All Wheel Drive and GT) (Rear Brake Caliper Replacement)Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (Except All Wheel Drive and GT) (Rear Brake Caliper Replacement).
2. Inspect the brake caliper housing for cracks, excess wear, and/or damage. If any of these conditions are present, the brake caliper requires replacement.
3. Inspect the caliper piston dust boot seal 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.
4. Inspect for brake fluid leakage around the caliper piston dust boot seal and on the disc brake pads. If there is any evidence of brake fluid leakage, the brake caliper requires overhaul or replacement.
5. Inspect for smooth and complete travel of the caliper pistons into the caliper bores:
The movement of the caliper pistons into the caliper bores should be smooth and even. If the caliper piston is frozen or difficult to bottom, the caliper requires overhaul or replacement.
6. In order to overhaul the caliper, refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul (Front Brake Caliper Overhaul) or to Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul (All Wheel Drive and GT) (Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul)Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul (Except All Wheel Drive and GT) (Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul).
7. Install the brake caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement (Front Brake Caliper Replacement) or to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (All Wheel Drive and GT) (Rear Brake Caliper Replacement)Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (Except All Wheel Drive and GT) (Rear Brake Caliper Replacement).