Brake Services

Brake Caliper Service

What Are Brake Calipers?

Brake calipers are a major part of the disc-braking system. They squeeze the brake pads against the brake rotors to slow down or stop the vehicle’s wheels. Think of calipers as housing for your brake pads & pistons.

Why & When to Get Your Calipers Serviced?

You should get your calipers serviced every 24,000 miles / 2 years. It is especially crucial to get your calipers serviced if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, as the salt on the roads accelerate rust & corrosion. When you get your calipers serviced, you allow your brake pads to do their job. A stuck caliper could even cause poor fuel economy. Get your calipers serviced and save money in the long run!

Schedule your service appointment by calling (518) 541-5000 or clicking below!

Schedule Service

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • :

Service Done Right

At Exit5 Auto, we pride ourselves on quality, honesty, and integrity in all that we do. We understand that brake repair is a service you simply can't skimp on, so we keep our rates reasonable while offering the professional repair work you deserve. Whether you just need a brake fluid flush, caliper service, or new brake components, our team is dedicated to your satisfaction. And we'll go the extra mile to service your vehicle in a thorough, comprehensive fashion.

There are two ways to check for brake wear: by listening and looking.

Have you ever heard a high-pitched screeching sound when you applied your brakes? That's a small metal shim, called an indicator, which is giving you an audible warning that you need to replace your brake pads. You should be aware of this sound (which is loud enough to be heard while the windows are up, but not necessarily loud enough to be heard over the radio or air conditioner). If you hear it regularly, quickly make an appointment with your mechanic.

You can also check for wear by looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheel's spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor. Generally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of pad. If you see less than 1/4 inch of pad, you may want to have your brake pads inspected or replaced.

How do I  know when I need new brakes?  Listen and Look

There are two ways to check for brake wear: by listening and looking.

Have you ever heard a high-pitched screeching sound when you applied your brakes? That's a small metal shim, called an indicator, which is giving you an audible warning that you need to replace your brake pads. You should be aware of this sound (which is loud enough to be heard while the windows are up, but not necessarily loud enough to be heard over the radio or air conditioner). If you hear it regularly, quickly make an appointment with your mechanic.

You can also check for wear by looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheel's spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor. Generally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of pad. If you see less than 1/4 inch of pad, you may want to have your brake pads inspected or replaced.

Other signs that you are in need of a brake service

If you experience any of these, you should visit your repair shop as soon as possible:

Reduced responsiveness or fading

If your the pedal "sinks" toward the floor, this could be an indication of a leak in the braking system. It could be an air leak (in the brake hose) or a brake fluid leak.

Pulling

If your vehicle "pulls" to one side while braking, it may be a sign that the brake linings are wearing unevenly or that there is foreign matter in the brake fluid. Your vehicle may need a brake adjustment or to have the fluid drained and replaced.

Grinding

This loud metallic sound means that you have worn down the pads completely, most likely beyond replacement. The grinding or growling noise is caused by the two pieces of metal rubbing together. This can scratch your rotors, creating an uneven surface.

Vibration

A vibration or pulsating brake pedal is often a symptom of warped rotors (but can also indicate that your vehicle is out of alignment). Warped rotors are caused by severe braking for long periods, such as when driving down a steep mountain or when towing. Tremendous amounts of friction are created under these conditions, heating up the rotors and causing them to warp. The vibration is felt because the brake pads are not able to grab the surface evenly. If you drive in these conditions, make sure to stop periodically to allow your brakes to cool off.

For many owners, maintaining the vehicle's brakes is something that is often overlooked. But keeping your brakes properly calibrated and in good working order can prevent costly repairs down the line, and, more importantly, help you avoid a collision.

Scroll to top