5 Symptoms of Stuck Brake Calipers (And What Causes It)
Have you ever felt your car pull to one side when braking? Or noticed a burning smell coming from the wheels? These (and other) signs often point to stuck brake calipers, which is a common problem that can pose a safety risk.
If you’re having trouble with stuck or frozen brake calipers, you need to know the common symptoms to look out for and the most likely causes so you can fix the problem.
Common Symptoms of Stuck or Frozen Brake Calipers
1) Vehicle Pulls to One Side
This is similar to maladaptation, but is usually more severe. This can happen not only when braking, but also when driving.
It is very dangerous to continue driving when the car is not going straight. You or a professional mechanic should inspect the brake calipers immediately to rule out that a defective caliper is the cause. Otherwise, your car may need a wheel alignment.
2) The car will automatically slow down
If one or more brake calipers are stuck, the brake pads are often stuck in constant contact with the brake rotor. This makes you feel like you are braking even though your foot is not on the brake pedal.
The brake pad material also wears away quickly, which can cause noise and wear when enough brake pad material is depleted. Make sure your brake calipers are not stuck. If not, replace the calipers or related parts as needed.
3) Excessive heat from the wheel area
A stuck caliper exerts constant pressure on the backside of the brake pads, which in turn exerts constant friction on the brake rotor, which generates heat. Driving with a stuck caliper for an extended period of time will cause this area to heat up.
If you walk slowly around your car after stopping, you will notice that a particular wheel emits more heat when you get your hands close to it. This is often a telltale sign that you are driving with a stuck brake caliper.
4) High gas consumption
High gas mileage can be due to a variety of issues, including brake calipers. As mentioned above, stuck brake calipers cause unintended braking, which makes the engine work harder to maintain speed, resulting in poor gas mileage.
5) Burning Smells
As mentioned above, a stuck brake caliper constantly scrapes and rubs against the brake rotor, even when you’re not braking. This friction generates intense heat and can quickly overheat the caliper, pads, and disc.
This constant friction also accelerates wear on the brake pads and discs. As they wear, the pads rub against the metal supports on the disc, causing a chemical or burning rubber smell. If dirt or brake dust accumulates on the brake calipers or brake discs, the high heat can cause it to ignite and cause a burning smell.