Calipers
The brake calipers on your Duramax diesel truck are usually not an area of too much concern, but when they do become a problem, Merchant Automotive has the solutions. When brake calipers seize, it is best to replace the whole caliper to get your truck back on the road as quickly as possible. Merchant Automotive offers factory replacement brake calipers from ACDelco to ensure you get the same great braking capabilities as your truck had from the factory.
Brake calipers are the main component of your Duramax brake system as they provide the clamping force to slow your truck down. The brake caliper is made up of a metal housing in which a piston or pistons rest. The piston is powered by hydraulics using brake fluid that is fed through a valve on the outside of the caliper. Once your brakes are applied, brake fluid flows to the caliper, pushing the pistons out against the brake pads which seat onto the rotor. This causes friction which allows your truck to come to a stop. Once you let go of your brake pedal, the fluid flows back up into the master cylinder, releasing the piston and brake pads, allowing your vehicle to move forward again.
What Are The Signs Of A Bad Caliper?
Although brake calipers don’t go bad often, it is important to know the warning signs of a bad caliper. A seized caliper can cause your brakes to drag or not operate at all, causing a safety hazard to you and anyone else on the road. Let's take a look at some of the most common symptoms of a bad brake caliper.
- Truck Pulls To One Side
- Squealing Or Metallic Rubbing Noise
- Uneven Brake Pad Wear
- Leaking Brake Fluid
- Clunking Sound
What Are The Most Common Problems With Brake Calipers?
The most common problem with brake calipers is that they can seize. What this means is that some part of the caliper gets locked up due to rust, dirt, grime, or other contaminate. This most commonly happens with the brake caliper piston but can also happen within the caliper pins, causing your brakes to stay closed or stay open, both causing a serious safety concern.
New Vs Remanufactured Calipers
When it comes to buying replacement calipers for your Duramax, you are most likely going to have to choose from remanufactured calipers or new calipers. New calipers are brand new calipers straight from the manufacturer. These are going to be your best option as they usually come with a good warranty and have never been used. Remanufactured calipers are used calipers that have been rebuilt and restored back to a factory-like new condition. While remanufactured calipers are a budget friendly option, buying brand new calipers will give you the ultimate peace of mind when it comes to the safety of your truck. Merchant Automotive is going to offer brand new ACDelco calipers to get your Duramax diesel stopping like new again.
