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There are many components that make up a vehicle’s brake system. If your car features disc brakes, then it comes with rotors, pads, and brake calipers. When you hit the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure runs through the brake line to the calipers, and pistons in the calipers place pressure on pads until the vehicle stops. Using the best brake calipers will improve your ride and comfort on the road. Here are the top-rated calipers you should consider if you need to swap them out.
Benefits of Brake Calipers
- Protect the brake pads. A high-quality brake caliper completely surrounds the brake pads, keeping them out of harm’s way. They can help prevent dust, grime, and dirt from building up under the pads to ensure they work properly when you need them most.
- Lengthen the lifespan. Swapping out your worn-out brake calipers with brand-new ones will lengthen the lifespan of your braking system overall. Those made of copper, metal, and dense ceramic last the longest and wear down your rotors, pads, and discs at a slower rate.
Types of Brake Calipers
Floating
Floating calipers feature one or two pistons on the inboard side of the rotor. Each piston pushes the caliper as soon as the brakes are applied to create friction between the brake pads and both sides of the rotor. The calipers move in and out relative to the rotor as well.
Fixed
The counterpart to floating calipers are fixed ones. As their name suggests, they do not move and instead have pistons arranged on opposite sides of the rotor. These are the most common and have improved performance. However, they’re also more expensive. High-performance fixed calipers can also have more pistons.
Top Brands
ACDelco
ACDelco has been creating parts for vehicles, planes, and spacecraft since 1906. William Durant helped launch the company and worked with General Motors to design spark plugs, shocks, and brake parts for vehicles. One of its brake calipers is the ACDelco Professional Front Side Disc Brake Caliper.
Powerstop
The company has been designing and manufacturing performance brake upgrade parts since 1995. With headquarters in Chicago, Ill., Powerstop is known for its eco-friendly practice in supplying products, such as brake pads, that are 100 percent copper-free. A good set of brake calipers it makes are the Power Stop Performance Caliper.
Brake Calipers Pricing
- $40 or less: You’ll find both front and rear brake calipers in this price range. While they will be made with durable materials, they may only come in pairs of two. It’s recommended you buy four so you can upgrade all of your vehicle’s brake calipers at the same time.
- $100 and up: It is here you will find calipers designed with a sturdier and longer-lasting material. They may even come with more pistons for enhanced performance. Pricier calipers are usually designed for a more aggressive style of driving, such as racing or lengthy travel.
Key Features
Material
Brake calipers should be made with the strongest and most durable materials. There are a few options to consider, and all will offer you the same benefits and features. However, they may vary in price due to their construction. For example, semi-metallic and full-metallic calipers increase overall braking performance, longevity, and durability. However, they can also be quite noisy and generate brake dust. Ceramic calipers help reduce any noise coming from the brakes and are strong and reliable at a steeper price.
Lifespan
It’s essential you get a set of brake calipers that can take a beating from excessive braking. While it is difficult to judge how long each one should last, they should be durable enough to get through thousands of miles. The strongest ones feature thick metallic pistons and are powder coated as an extra layer of protection to increase their lifespan.
Noise
You can tell a caliper is wearing down when it begins to whine and squeal when you press the brake pedal. You may also find calipers can be loud during everyday operation. Fully-metallic and semi-metallic calipers tend to be the noisiest of them all, while ceramic ones are typically the quietest. If you can find calipers with a rubberized coating, they will be the quietest on the road.
Other Considerations
- Brake Dust: Over time, your brakes and wheels will see a gathering layer of brake dust. You can lessen the amount of dust on them by choosing a pair of ceramic brake calipers. They produce less dust buildup than their metallic counterparts.
Best Brake Calipers Reviews & Recommendations 2020
Best Overall
Callahan Brake Parts Premium Grade OE Semi-Loaded Calipers
Best Value
ACDelco Professional Front Side Disc Brake Caliper
Honorable Mention
Power Stop Performance Caliper
Honorable Mention
Cardone 18-B4363 Remanufactured Domestic Friction Ready Brake Caliper
Honorable Mention
Centric 141.80001 Semi Loaded Caliper
Honorable Mention
Power Stop KC6075 Z23 Evolution Sport Performance 1-Click Brake Kit with Caliper
Honorable Mention
Wilwood Red D52 GM Brake Calipers u0026amp; Pads
Honorable Mention
Afco Racing Products 6630030 Caliper Alum F88 1.375 x 1.25 Rotor
Honorable Mention
Motorcraft BRCF-165 Disc Brake Caliper
Honorable Mention
ATE W0133-1787575 Disc Brake Caliper
Honorable Mention
Speedway Motors IMCA Approved 1978-88 GM Car Brake Caliper
Tips
- You can extend the lifespan of your brakes by anticipating each stop. Braking well before you reach your stopping point will ensure the brakes aren’t worn down.
- If you have a manual vehicle, you can reduce the amount of stress on the brakes. You can downshift instead of braking hard to slow down the vehicle. You should keep plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you, however.
- Consider swapping out the brake pads and rotors if you are upgrading the calipers. This will ensure the entire system is brand new and functions without issue.
FAQs
Q: How do brake calipers work?
A: The braking system is made up of a lot of components, so understanding how it all works can be confusing. Each brake disc is made up of calipers, pads, and rotors. Pressing the brake pedal sends brake fluid to the calipers surrounding the pads. This presses the pads against the rotors, causing your vehicle to stop.
Q: How can I tell if the brake calipers are wearing down?
A: The best way to tell if the brake calipers are wearing out is to listen to them. If you hear excessive squealing or rubbing, it may be time to upgrade the calipers. You can also tell by checking the brake pads. If there is uneven pad wear on them, it is a good indication that you need a new pair of calipers.
Q: How long will a pair of calipers last?
A: This can be difficult to gauge and depends on your driving style. The general rule of thumb is to swap out brake calipers every 50,000 miles. However, a lot of racing or heavy braking can cause them to wear down more quickly.
Final Thoughts
For one of the best-rated and long-lasting brake calipers to slow you down, consider the Callahan Brake Parts Premium Grade OE Semi-Loaded Calipers. Or you can check out the ACDelco Professional Front Side Disc Brake Caliper if you want to save some cash and still improve your vehicle’s stopping power on the road.