Toyota Brake Caliper Buyer's Guide
Do you have a malfunctioning brake caliper on your Toyota? Or are you curious about brake calipers? If your answer to either question is yes, this buyer’s guide is for you.
You’ll learn everything you need to know about Toyota brake calipers here.
What Is A Brake Caliper?
One way to describe a brake caliper is to call it a hydraulic vise. A brake caliper is wrapped around a rotor. It contains brake pads on both sides of the rotor. When you hit the brakes, the caliper squeezes the brake pads against the rotor, creating friction. The friction can bring the rotor to a complete stop.
For a more thorough explanation of Toyota brake calipers, read this article.
OEM Vs. Aftermarket Brake Calipers
Looking for replacement calipers? You may want to know if OEM calipers are better than aftermarket calipers. The answer is a resounding “YES”. Here’s why:
- Toyota uses high quality materials to build OEM brake calipers.
- Aftermarket manufacturers often use low-grade materials to build their brake calipers.
- OEM brake calipers always meet OE specs.
- It’s rare for aftermarket calipers to meet OE specs.
- OEM brake calipers come with Toyota’s 12-month, limited mile warranty.
- Aftermarket brake calipers rarely come with a warranty.
This comparison guide goes into more detail about why OEM is the better choice.
When To Replace A Brake Caliper
On average, brake calipers last 75K miles. When your Toyota is approaching that age, you want to start keeping an eye on your calipers. Some symptoms may crop up, like:
- Your Toyota pulling to one side
- Squealing or clunking noise
- Brakes failing to release immediately
The best way to determine if you have worn calipers is to give them a visual inspection. This diagnostic guide has all the information you need about inspecting and replacing your calipers.
Bleeding The Brake System While Replacing The Calipers
You always have to bleed the brake system when you replace the calipers. Air will get into the brake lines during the replacement process. Air bubbles will stay in the brake system until you bleed it. This guide offers a thorough overview of bleeding your brake system.
Written by Jason Lancaster