The brakes in your car consist of a few different parts that work together to stop the vehicle and keep you safe. One of these is the caliper, which pushes the pads against the rotor. If it starts to stick, your safety and that of your passengers and other drivers on the road are compromised, so it’s important to fix the problem right away. There are a couple of different culprits that might cause this issue.

Why Are Your Brake Calipers Sticking?

1. Problematic Bolts

The calipers have bolts that are covered with rubber to ensure they stay lubricated at all times. Occasionally, however, this material will be torn, drying out the component and letting debris into the vehicle, resulting in sticking. If this occurs, it’s generally best to just buy new bolts so you are assured of their quality.

2. Worn-Out Pads

Every 50,000 miles or so, you should replace the brake pads on the vehicle to ensure continued safety. If you forgot to do this or bought a problematic product that wears out early, you might find the caliper starts to stick. If you’re hearing squealing noises every time you press down with your foot, this is likely the culprit behind the problem. If the pedal is also vibrating, the brake rotors could be warped or out of parallel.

3. Broken Hose

The brake hose directs fluid & brake pressure into the system to activate calipers and wheel cylinders. However, if it’s torn or otherwise damaged, the fluid will leak and cause the brake pedal to fall and the brake system to fail. If the problem isn’t corrected right away, the car will not brake until the pedal is depressed to the emergency stop near the floor. This is a dangerous condition and the vehicle should be towed to the shop.

Regular vehicle inspections including the brake system will keep your car safe.

If you have an issue with your brakes, bring the vehicle to our team at Fort Mitchell Garage in Covington, KY, right away. We’ve been providing area drivers with high-quality and affordable services for over a century. Whether it’s an oil change or a full brake replacement, no job is too small or too complex for us. To learn more, call (859) 431-3326 or visit the website today.