OEM Kia Brake Calipers

What Brake Calipers are & What They Do

Ever repaired or upgraded the brakes in your Kia before? You've probably at least inspected your brake calipers, then. They're what fasten your brake rotors to your brake pads during braking. The friction this causes creates resistance, and that resistance ultimately slows and stops your vehicle.

How brake calipers work, then, is fairly simple. For you, it's as easy as stepping on your brake pedal. Your brake cylinder then shunts brake fluid through an array of hoses and valves, pressurizing your brake pistons. These are what charge your calipers, so they can do the pressing.

The process does create a lot of heat, though. It can negatively affect any brake caliper eventually. For example, it can decay the seals on one. As a result, contaminants can accumulate in it. This often means rust. Luckily, problems with brake calipers are pretty easy to spot. Just watch out for the following symptoms.

Signs of Bad Brake Calipers

• Dash warning lights -- specifically, brake or ABS system warning lights
• Irregular brake pressurization, especially causing the need to pump your brakes to slow down or stop
• Leaking brake fluid (in your engine compartment or around your wheel area)
• Pulling sideways when braking
• Continuous grinding sounds or squealing

Seeing any of these? You may have to replace a brake caliper or two. Luckily, you can buy new ones online. Better yet, you can order them from our auto parts store. We've got plenty in stock, and we carry only genuine Kia, too, meaning they'll fit the model you're driving, guaranteed. So, cross another project off your list and buy now!