Brake Caliper Replacement DIY

You may have a seized brake caliper if you hear a wheel’s squealing or metallic rubbing noise. Most calipers are size because the caliper guide pins rust due to lack of lubrification or the piston size due to rust build-up. This guide provides instructions on replacing a brake caliper on a vehicle.

This guide is based on a 2006 Honda Ridgeline, but the procedure is the same for most makes and models. Note that the brake calibers vary between makes and are not interchangeable.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a bad brake caliper include

Pulling to one side. A seized brake caliper or caliper slider can cause the vehicle to pull to one side.
Brake fluid leaks.
Longer braking distance.
Uneven brake pad wear.
Dragging sensation.
The brake pads and rotors are overheating.
Abnormal noise when in motion and /or when braking.
Decrease in fuel economy.
Grinding / rubbing noise that is constant and does not go away unless you apply the brakes.
Squealing or metallic rubbing noise.

What you will need

Parts

Brake caliper
Flexible brake hose washers

Tools

Torque wrench
Breaker bar
1/2 inch socket
wheel lug wrench
flat-head screwdriver
ratchet
power tool (optional)

Procedure

Park the vehicle on level ground and set the parking brakes on.
Using a lug nut wrench, loosen the lug nuts of the affected wheel by directing your torque counterclockwise. Do not remove the lug nuts completely; removing the lug nuts at this time would cause the tire to fall prematurely, which may cause an injury.
Place the jack below the body frame and raise the car until the wheel can be turned freely by hand.
Remove the lug nuts and use the lug nut wrench to lift the wheel while your other hand lifts the wheel from the top.
Once the wheel is free from the studs, lift it and set it aside.
Place a catch pan below the brake caliper to prevent brake fluid from escaping into the environment.
Create some space between the caliper and rotor with a flat-head screwdriver as a lever.
Loosen the retaining bolts for the caliper bracket using a breaker bar and a 1/2-inch socket.
Remove the bracket’s lower and upper retaining bolts using a ratchet with a 16mm socket.
Pull out the brake caliper assembly, and be wary of the flexible brake hose.
Secure the caliper without stretching the hose.
Test fit the new brake caliper assembly against the bracket.
Once it fits, install the upper and lower bolt initially by hand.
Fasten the retaining bolts using a ratchet. Torque these bolts to specification. The front brake caliper bracket typically requires tightening to 80 ft/lbs, while the caliper bolts have a torque specification of 45 ft/lbs. Verify by contacting your dealer.
Using a Torque wrench, torque the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Loosen the lower caliper slider pin bolts.
Remove the lower caliper slider bolt.
Slide the caliper upward to make room for the brake pads.
Install anti-rattle clips.
Apply brake pad anti-seize grease to brake pads; avoid applying grease to parts that contact the rotor.
Install the brake pads.
Remove slider pin and lubricate with silicone grease.
Re-install the guide pin and torque to specs (see below).
Slide the caliper back into position.
Reinstall the slider pin bolt and torque to specifications.
Detach the flexible hose from the old caliper.
Install a new washer on the flexible hose connector.
Install flexible hose connector bolt and torque to specifications.
Loosen the bleeder bolt and let the fluid flow until no more air is coming out.
Fasten the bleeder bolt.
Start the engine.
Have someone press the brake pedal three times, then keep the brake pedal pressed. Next, loosen the bleeder bolt to release any air trapped inside the hydraulic line, fasten the bleeder bolt, and then have the brake pedal release. You may need to do this a few times until the brake pedal feels normal.
Fasten the bleeder bolt.
Stop the engine.
Re-install the wheel.
Re-install the lug nuts.
Remove the jack, fasten the lug nuts, and torque it to specifications.

Torque Specifications

Front brake caliper bracket bolts:80 ft/lbs
Rear brake caliper bracket: 75 ft/lbs.
Brake caliper bolts (guide pins) front: 44 ft/lbs
Brake caliper bolts rear: 23 ft/lbs.

These are typical values. Check by contacting your dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you change just one caliper?

Yes. You can change only one caliper. Although we recommend replacing both brake calipers simultaneously, it is not necessary to do so. In other words, you don’t have to replace both calipers if only one is bad. Mechanics may suggest replacing both brake calipers simultaneously, but this is not usually necessary.

Is it hard to change a brake caliper?

Changing a brake caliper is not as hard as you would think. The hardest part is loosening the two bolts on the back of the brake caliper bracket. Large bolts require force similar to removing your wheel lug nuts.

Can I change a caliper without bleeding brakes?

No. The new brake caliper will have air inside and needs to be bled. Therefore, you will need to bleed air out of the new caliper. The good news is that you don’t need to bleed all four wheels.

How much does it cost to change a brake caliper?

You can change a brake caliper for about $100-$150 in about an hour. A new brake caliper will cost you between $400 and $650 at a repair shop. Replacing a brake caliper at a dealership ranges between $450 and $850. Some mechanics may insist that you simultaneously replace the caliper on the other side. While recommended, this is not required.

Can a seized brake caliper be unseized by itself?

It is possible for a caliper to unseized itself after a few hard braking applications. Most brake calipers seize because the guide pins rust due to a lack of lubrication. In such cases, remove the wheel, pull out the guide pins, sand them down with 200-grit sandpaper, apply grease, and reinstall.

How often do calipers go bad?

Disc brake calipers are resilient brake components expected to last as long as your vehicle. Your brake calipers last anywhere between 75,000 to 150,000 miles or thirteen years.

Can you drive without a brake caliper?

You can’t just remove a caliper for a couple of reasons. First, it would cause a major brake fluid leak, quickly leaving you with no brakes. Secondly, if you plugged the line off, your braking characteristics would be so messed up that driving would be unsafe.

How much does it cost to replace brake calipers?

The average cost to replace your brake calipers can range from about $350 to $800. If you head to AutoZone, you’ll see that, depending on the vehicle, those front brake calipers can cost you anywhere from about $40 to $440.

We hope you find the Brake Caliper Replacement DIY guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your vehicle.