The main benefit of
loaded caliper assemblies is to
restore the brakes to new condition. A
loaded caliper will have a
new brake pad pre-installed in a professionally
re-manufactured caliper with matching
hardware all included. This complete package reduces the risk of leaks, uneven
brake pad wear, and many other potential problems.
Caliper hardware and piston seals do not last forever, and once a leak starts to develop, the
caliper needs to be replaced or rebuilt. Brake fluid leaking from the
caliper can contaminate the
brake pads reducing performance or can even lead to a loss of hydraulic pressure that may cause the
brakes to completely fail.
Internal rust can cause the
caliper pistons to become sticky, jam, or even lock up. External corrosion of the bushings or slides can also become a problem by preventing normal movement resulting in uneven braking, dragging or pulling.
Attempting to
rebuild an old caliper can be a messy and difficult job if not impossible if the old
calipers pistons are stuck or badly corroded. After all the trouble of disassembling and replacing the seals and boots, the
calipers may still leak if the
caliper bore is corroded or damaged.
Loaded calipers also reduce the chances of improperly fitting shims or clips. Everything that needs to be replaced is included!
Whenever a
new caliper is installed the
brake lines should be flushed and refilled with clean brake fluid.
Caliper slides and bushings should also be lubricated with brake grease. All related
brake components including
brake rotors,
brake lines,
wheel cylinders, and the
master cylinder should be inspected to be in good condition. Both
calipers should be replaced at the same time on both sides of the vehicle, otherwise the mismatch of friction could cause uneven braking.
When returning the
brake caliper cores, please make sure that everything is included. If the
new calipers included brackets, be sure to include the old brackets with the core. Rear
brake calipers also include
parking brake hardware on some vehicles. In the case of excessive corrosion, surface pitting, damaged threads, or other unreasonable damages, the amount of money for the core return may be reduced or rejected in extreme cases.