Volkswagen Brake Caliper

Braking with a caliper

A long time ago, automobiles were in their infancy and there was no way to stop a moving automobile. Then brakes came along. Early braking devices consisted of curved wooden blocks designed to clamp on the steel tires. This was manipulated using a single lever system from the driver's seat. This “brake shoe” was the normal way of braking, either in a horse-drawn vehicle or even a steam locomotive. Different designs, using levers, rods and pivots, were used to operate them.

By the end of the 20th century, the Michelin brothers begun the movement, shifting away from the old way of braking. As automobiles shifted to pneumatic rubber wheels, new ideas of braking were needed, as “brake shoes” were no longer apt for the situation. A new method (which has two kinds), in which attempted to apply the force of friction to the axle or to a drum on the axle or even to the transmission shaft, was used. This braking system was activated when the driver stepped on the brake pedal or operated a lever. Continuously applying pressure until it was heavy enough caused the bands to contract more around the drum, giving it greater retardation force.

One brake system used a wooden block inside a flexible contracting metal band, which, when pressed together, would tighten around the drum. This caused friction between the drum, which would then connected to the wheel, to the wooden blocks on one end, and eventually slowed down the vehicles' forward progress. The other used an inner wheel or brake drum which had an added external contracting meant to wrap around the drum, slowing down or preventing the vehicle from moving forward. But this meant that the drum had to be constantly replaced, leading to poor friction quality. Using the above method to stop moving vehicles meant using disc brakes. Friction is applied on the discs, courtesy of brake pads mounted on brake calipers. Your Volkswagen is equipped with brake calipers that applies the necessary amount of friction on the discs to slow or stop the car. The Volkswagen brake caliper is the assembly in which the brake pads and pistons are housed. There are two types of calipers: the floating and the fixed. The fixed caliper does not move in relation to the brake disc. It has one or two pistons that clamp either side of the disc.

The floating caliper (also called a sliding caliper) moves in relation with the disc. A piston on one side of the disc pushes the inner brake pad, which then makes contact to the braking surface. It then pulls the caliper body with the outer brake pad so that pressure is applied on both sides. Floating caliper designs often fail because of the sticking due to dirt or corrosion. This causes the attached pad to rub excessively, particularly when the brake is released. This reduces brake efficiency and causes excessive wear and tear on the affected pad. The tremendous pressure on the Volkswagen brake calipers can cause brake failure due to a lot of heat energy from the friction. The Volkswagen brake calipers is connected to the master brake cylinder, in which passes hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid can be also a cause of brake caliper failure. If the fluid is not replaced regularly, moisture can form and start the corrosion process inside the brake caliper's interior. It can result in leaks and the pistons can stick.

So start giving attention to the way your car behaves, especially when you step on the brakes. Any squealing noise, leaking or pulling can be a potential disaster waiting to happen. If these happens, take your Volkswagen to the nearest dealership and have the brake calipers inspected and even replaced. Your life and your loved ones depend on that little piece of machinery.

ACEI Volkswagen Brake Caliper - Volkswagen Golf

Fits: 1993 - 1999 Volkswagen Golf Brake Caliper
Brand: ACEI Brake Caliper
Part #: ACEI N1040-103732

Description: Rear - Left

Price: $125.94

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ACEI Volkswagen Brake Caliper - Volkswagen Jetta

Fits: 1999 - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta Brake Caliper
Brand: ACEI Brake Caliper
Part #: ACEI N1040-103604

Description: Front - Left

Price: $81.84

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A1 Cardone Volkswagen Brake Caliper - Volkswagen Jetta

Fits: 2001 - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta Brake Caliper
Brand: A1 Cardone Brake Caliper
Part #: A1 Cardone A1192575

Description: A1 CARDONE FRICTION CHOICE, REMANUFACTURED BRAKE CALIPER WITH INSTALLATION HARDWARE, REAR LEFT, WITHOUT CALIPER MOUNTING BRACKET, PADS SOLD SEPARATELY -- Original Equipment Quality, Direct Fit, Replacement Brake Caliper, Includes Caliper And Installation Hardware

Price: $85.94

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A1 Cardone Volkswagen Brake Caliper - Volkswagen Quantum

Fits: 1985 - 1987 Volkswagen Quantum Brake Caliper
Brand: A1 Cardone Brake Caliper
Part #: A1 Cardone A119B927

Description: A1 CARDONE FRICTION CHOICE, REMANUFACTURED BRAKE CALIPER WITH INSTALLATION HARDWARE, REAR LEFT, WITH CALIPER MOUNTING BRACKET, PADS SOLD SEPARATELY -- Original Equipment Quality, Direct Fit, Replacement Brake Caliper, Includes Caliper And Installation Hardware

Price: $85.60

Please select your make and year above to find these Volkswagen Brake Caliper Specials and More!

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