Updated June 8, 2026
Does it feel like your vehicle is having trouble accelerating?
The symptom could be tied to a few issues.
Sometimes, acceleration problems are linked to the braking system. A disc brake caliper seizing up could be the culprit.
What is the caliper in a disc brake?
The caliper sits on the brake rotor and is attached to the steering knuckle. When you press the brake pedal, fluid goes into it and pushes the pistons against the brake pads and the brake pads against the rotor.
What disc brake caliper problems can occur?
Disc brake calipers can get overheated. Brake fluid is very corrosive, so they can break down from the inside out.
Piston boots can rip and tear and get overheated from high and low spots from the rotor, bad brake pads, or they can get too much moisture inside of them from the brake fluid itself.
A disc brake caliper seizing up is another problem drivers may face.
What can cause a disc brake caliper to seize up?
A disc brake caliper seizing up is caused by various factors, including dirt, lack of maintenance and rust.
Rust that builds up over time can prevent the brake caliper piston from resending back into the disc brake caliper. It will keep holding constant pressure on the brake pad that pushes against the disc brake rotor, producing heat.
When piston boots rip, it allows air, moisture and dirt to get in. That can lead to a disc brake caliper seizing up or dragging.
There are also brake fluid-related problems.
Issues can stem from the brake fluid moisture content and the brake hoses. If the brake hoses leading to the calipers collapse from the inside, sometimes it will restrict how much brake fluid flows out.
In extreme circumstances, the brake fluid can boil and cause a very low brake pedal. This is one of the reasons why you want to change the brake fluid when automotive technicians are working on your brakes.
What are signs of a disc brake caliper seizing up?
Drivers may notice these symptoms when a disc brake caliper is seizing up:
- Lack of acceleration
- Burning smell
- Smoke or steam coming from wheels
On rare occasions, you might notice a soft brake pedal.
When do I replace a disc brake caliper?
It’s hard to say how long a disc brake caliper will last. We have seen them fail at 70,000 miles and make it to 250,000 miles. For maintenance, we recommend new disc brake calipers at 150,000 miles.
When an automotive technician is performing a brake check, they can determine whether you need to replace the brake caliper. You don’t need to have new calipers installed every time, but may want to consider changing them if the vehicle has a lot of age or miles on it.
If you’re having a problem with one brake caliper, you can swap out that one. However, it’s a good idea to replace both on the front or the rear, because if one goes bad — even though the other one is functioning — it’s not a guarantee that it won’t go bad in the near future.
Another way that the automotive technician services the brakes is by lubricating the metal contact points of the disc brake caliper and pads.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.