How To Diagnose and Replace a Bad Brake Caliper -EricTheCarGuy

Brakes are a common DIY project but I often get asked about brake calipers and how to check if they're bad. This video not only shows how to find a bad brake caliper but also how to replace it. It is recommended that you do both sides when you find a faulty brake caliper but it's not necessary. If you're on a budget you can just do one but you might experience a pull to one side when braking if you do this. Otherwise you can follow the steps in this video for caliper replacement. I use my 1997 Subaru Legacy L in this video but the principals and techniques apply to many vehicles both domestic and imported.

Stay dirty

ETCG

Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.  Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[tguindynamic]

You're amazing and I watch all your videos before I do anything on my car. I'm a 35 year old black female that loves to work on my car. I say that cuz it's rare. Everyone is surprised when I tell them I've changed my transmission on my 1999 Nissan Sentra manaul transmission and I did it by watching videos and using the repair manual. I have never gone wrong watching your YOU!

[restitutocatipay]

Unlike other mechanic tutorial, sir erick here is an actual work guy. And i like the honest intension to really teach the newbies like me, even his struggles is uncut
And sometimes i feel like i want to give a hand to hold or to tighten a volt. Glad to say that i can do my brakes and my clutch watching his videos as my guide. Thank you sir erick, youre awesome co"ol

[johnjuhasz]

Just did complete caliper, rotor, pad replacement for my wife's 2010 Toyota Avalon. This video was a great resource. One thing to add that was not covered here is the position of the slider bolts. Apparently, the top and bottom (leading or trailing) bolts are not interchangeable on most cars. I found this out when the passenger side was dragging continuously after the reassembly. I had to bring it to a local mechanic who diagnosed it immediately as reversed position of the slider bolts. This caused the caliper to twist and even pinched the brake hose. I checked the lube of the pins but had no way of knowing that there was a top and bottom difference. They came pre-assembled as remanufactured. Lesson: check your manual or OEM parts diagram against the part supplied before install.

[carmelpule]

I am now an old Lecturer and since young I was always disgusted at the manner in which many teachers at schools differentiate between those children with a Kinematic intelligence and technical flare with the others who prefer vociferous and social and artistic  professions  as it is said that their language communications is richer,  I always argued that a technical man has also great language abilities.  I just came across this video and this Eric the Car Guy  confirmed my belief, HIs Knowledge Transfer technique and his descriptions are Brilliant, Congratulations, It is a pity that many teachers in our schools are not ready to see a car from this angle to see the beauty of the logic and the  hidden art that makes our life safer but unfortunately isnot appreciated by so many, Well done.Sir. You make an excellent lecturer at any University.

[reints]

I watched this video, diagnosed the calipers on my '06 Civic EX were the cause of my warped rotors. The pistons wouldn't budge on both. I ordered ceramic pads & slotted rotors from Amazon & found calipers at Autozone. Total cost was $140. It took me less than two hours & I used the stock steel washers, placed hose sections on a vice grip for the brake lines & let gravity bleed out the air in the lines when done.
Thanks for the perfect tutorial video. The car stops like new & it was less than half the price any garage would charge.

[michealwilliams]

I miss this etcg, can't help but to watch the old videos.
Eric, I know more than likely you won't see this but you seriously gave me the encouragement to become an ASE Master tech that I am today.

[ACoustaDC]

Just an average doit yourselfer here, but I have to say, this video is most helpful. I have done an honest 20 front brake jobs in my life. That is enough to where I feel confident. 1, I never knew about burping the boot on the slider. 2. I May have changed a caliper one time when I might have just needed to lube that boldt. This a nice tip for the future. Now there is nothing wrong with changing callipers before their time, but this tip may have saved me money. Thanks Eric.

[robertmackenzie]

Thanks so much Eric. I never thought in a million years that I could complete replacing both front calipers, rotors and pads with such ease...YOU are amazing!!! Thank you!!

[Squareknt]

Two weeks ago I started to get noise from my rear left break, it was 74 out and unseasonably warm. But I did not pay enough attention to it because I had a brother in the hospital up in New Jersey, (109 mi each way) I went to a good reliable local repair shop. He said he could not get me in until Nov 28th. So I decided to do it myself, already ordered the Raybestos rotors and pads. Started to learn about rebuilding the caliper but decided to go and spend the money on a rebuilt. Of course it's 28' now and I think I'll sit back and watch the Eagles beat up on the Colts today and work tomorrow when it's going up to 46'. Thanks for the tips on reinstalling and bleeding. Wish I had my old 55' Chevy back. 77 and still learning new tricks!

[zacharymonthey]

this video was on in the background. i was on shrooms and i thought Jesus was speaking to me. Thank you. I now understand brake calipers on a spiritual level. You're the best.

[scottplumer]

If YT gave awards for the best instructional videos, you would win every time. Thanks for this!

[impalaconvert]

To compress the piston I put a small wood board over the piston and use a 4" or 6" C-clamp. That way I don't risk galling the piston perimeter with the vise grip jaws. You can also use an old brake pad instead of the board.

[Michael-fwef]

I have watched 100s of your videos and I can say this is the best one you have ever made. The amount of instruction and info you put into this is appreciated.

[mod_incllc]

Still the best videos on YouTube after a decade. Hope you are well Eric!

[lovesword]

Newbie... I actually rolled my eyes at how long the video was, but you was really entertaining in your approach, really enjoyed this Eric. Well done. 👏it flew by.

[joycemoten]

I find your videos to be easily understandable and helpful.I am a 29+ year young female working in the back yard with little budget and basic tool access. You are awesome, informative. and clean spoken. Thank you

[blcdad]

Thanks Eric for posting this video! Because of your video, I did my whole front brake system on my 1999 Infiniti I30, pads, rotor & calipers in about 2 hours! I especially appreciate the tips on bleeding the system. I've never done it this way, always using the 2 people system, but this worked great. Seems very logical when you think it over. Thanks again!

[冀伟浩]

why 128 dislike? this is pretty much a clear and educational vid, keep it up

[jaimepontes]

It's 2024 and I still think Eric is underrated in the Youtube scene. These videos are such a great help while working on my cars. ❤

[PTSTUD]

This is the best video about calipers on YT.