Brake Caliper Q's

**Fred** · 08-22-2009, 00:08

I think I already know the answer but if I have only one Brake Caliper showing signs of being bad can I replace only that one or should they be replaced in pairs?
I just replace the rear wheel cylinders (both) and didn't see reason for replacing the calipers untill one locked up on me

**JoeySnow70** · 08-22-2009, 00:26

What signs??? You dont have to replace them in pairs...

**Jeffb_79** · 08-22-2009, 00:38

Everyone I've talked to always said to replace them in pairs... only because if one's going, chances are the other's going. I don't like spending extra money replacing parts that are still good, so... when my drivers rear failed on me a few months back, I only replaced that one. No problems with anything else yet. If your caliper's been sticking, I'd go ahead and replace that caliper and pads.Also, the rotor associated with the caliper you've been having problems with might need to be turned if you notice grooves in it.

**SSG Matsen** · 08-22-2009, 03:25

You should ALWAYS replace brake components as sets/ pairs. That will ensure that you have equal braking on both wheels. I would NEVER replace just 1 caliper.

Here is a scenario....you replace the left front caliper and the set of front brake pads. After you decide to go for a drive and all of a sudden a deer jumps out in front of you. Well you didnt do anything to the right front caliper and now when you have to REALLY use your brakes the left side works GREAT.....but the right....well not so good. So now your Jeep pulls HARD to the left because that wheel is stopping faster than the right and you find yourself in the ditch or worse on your topside. GET THE PICTURE?

**reservoirdogg26** · 08-22-2009, 08:12

brakes.... you dont need em but in case you do imo you should change them in pairs especialy the front cause they take the most abuse the rear not so much but when i changed mine last i bought them at autozone and they have a lifetime gaurantee so if they go bad there free but the quality isnt the best...but there free

**sincitycj** · 08-22-2009, 09:15

Brake components should always be replaced in pairs. Both claiper have been on for the same length of time, been thru the same crap and have brake just as much as the other. This will ensure that braking is equal across the axel. I always try to find parts with lifetime warranty.

**Fred** · 08-22-2009, 09:23

The Caliper has not been sticking but when I replaced the pads I had a very difficult time compressing it and then when I put everything back together and bled them that side locked right up, causeing both sides to lock up (I have a locker) Tore it back down and with just the passengers brakes off everything turned freely.

For now I am going to replce just one becuase the other side show no signs of wear and I will have 2 more calipers soon. Thanks guys

**JoeySnow70** · 08-22-2009, 10:26

Originally Posted by SSG Matsen

You should ALWAYS replace brake components as sets/ pairs. That will ensure that you have equal braking on both wheels. I would NEVER replace just 1 caliper.

I call BULL on this one... Show me on black and whit were have to ALWAYS replace calipers in pair. That asumption goes for most of the braking system but not all of it. Let me give you an example. ABS... ABS does not aply pressure equally to the front brakes, it only aplies presure as needed, I.E. if front lest need less braking the pump will send less pressure...

**Jeffb_79** · 08-22-2009, 10:46

As another example for not needing to replace in pairs...
The TJ rubicons have had issues of premature failures on the drivers rear brake caliper.
More than a few of failed with less than 50k miles under normal wear and tear. There's no need to replace the pair. If I had a 100k miles on it when one went, then yeah, I'd probably go ahead and replace both as they both might actually be wearing out.
I think replacing the pair is the common answer you'll get from most shops... of course, they'll make an extra $300 off of you for it.