Brake Calipers & Brackets
About Brake Calipers & Brackets
A brake caliper holds the pads and squeezes them against the rotor when you apply the brake. Calipers usually wear in their seals and pistons rather than in the metal, so they are rebuilt or replaced when a piston sticks, a seal leaks or corrosion roughens the bore.
The listings here fall into three kinds. Complete calipers are listed by position, such as front left or front right, for makes like Can-Am and Polaris. Replacement pistons are listed for models such as the Arctic Cat Wildcat, Yamaha Grizzly and Honda Pioneer. Caliper rebuild kits are listed for many models, including the Can-Am Defender and Maverick X3, Honda Foreman, Yamaha Raptor and Polaris Sportsman. A rebuild kit suits a caliper that is sound but has worn seals. A new caliper suits one that is cracked, scored or badly corroded. After any caliper work the brake needs to be bled before riding.
Brands here include All Balls, Quad Logic, Moose Offroad, Shindy and K&S Technologies. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. While the caliper is off, look at Brake Pads, Brake Disc Rotors and Rebuild Kits & Parts. The whole group is Brakes & Brake Parts.
FAQs on UTV and ATV brake calipers
Should I rebuild a brake caliper or replace it?
Rebuild it if the body is sound and the problem is worn seals or a sticky piston. Replace it if the body is cracked, the bore is scored or pitted, or the corrosion is heavy. If you are unsure, check the piston and bore against the service manual.
Why does a wheel drag after a brake job?
A piston that does not retract fully, a seized slide pin or a caliper fitted wrong can keep the pads on the rotor. A parking brake out of adjustment can do the same. Check the wheel turns freely before riding, and look for heat at the rotor after a short ride.
Are brake calipers left and right specific?
Often, yes. Listings name the position, such as front left or front right, because the caliper is shaped for its side of the machine. Match the position and the model before ordering, and buy a caliper for each side if you are replacing both.
Do I need to bleed the brakes after changing a caliper?
Yes. Opening the hydraulic system lets air in, and air makes the lever or pedal feel soft. Bleed with the fluid type marked on the reservoir or given in the owner's manual, and test the brake at low speed before you ride.
What makes a brake caliper piston stick?
Corrosion, dirt and old brake fluid are the usual causes, along with damaged dust seals. Riding in mud and water makes it more likely. Regular fluid changes and keeping the caliper clean help, and a sticking piston is a sign to rebuild.
