Parts for your 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer-Brake calipers

Brake Calipers on the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer: What You Need to Know

The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is a popular choice among Aussie drivers for its reliability and sporty feel, and like most modern cars, it relies on a standard disc brake system at the front wheels. Central to this system are brake calipers, which play a crucial role in stopping the vehicle safely and efficiently. If you're driving a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, understanding what brake calipers do and when they need attention is a smart move for any car owner keen on maintaining their vehicle's performance and safety.

Brake calipers are essential components in the disc brake setup. They act as the clamp that squeezes the brake pads onto the rotor (the spinning disc attached to the wheel) when you press the brake pedal. This squeezing action creates the friction needed to slow down or stop the car. Without brake calipers, the disc brakes wouldn't function properly, meaning the Lancer wouldn't be able to stop in a safe, controlled manner. Thankfully, the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer does indeed use brake calipers at its front brakes, and often at the rear too, depending on the specific variant or trim level.

The brake calipers on the 2016 Lancer are typically of the floating or sliding type for the front brakes. This design means they move in and out as you apply the brakes, pushing the pads against the rotor evenly on both sides. They are engineered to endure a lot of stress and heat since braking generates a lot of friction and can get quite hot. Over time, however, like any car part, brake calipers can wear out or become less effective, which makes regular inspection and maintenance critical.

When servicing your 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, keeping an eye on the brake calipers can save you from bigger issues down the track. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Brake pad wear: Since the calipers press the pads against the rotors, worn pads might cause the calipers to work harder or lead to uneven pad wear. It's common practice to check pads whenever you inspect the calipers.
• Leaking brake fluid: Brake calipers rely on hydraulic pressure to work properly, which means they contain brake fluid within their pistons. If you notice brake fluid leaking around the caliper, it's a sign that the seals could be damaged and it's time for a replacement or rebuild.
• Sticking calipers: Sometimes calipers can stick due to rust, dirt, or failing slides, meaning the pads don't release the rotor properly. This can cause excessive brake drag, overheating, and uneven pad wear. Routine servicing can identify and fix this early.

Replacing or maintaining your brake calipers on the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is not usually a difficult or overly expensive job, but it does require attention to detail. When brake calipers become faulty, symptoms can include a pulling sensation when braking, uneven brake pad wear, or a drop in braking performance. These issues can compromise driving safety, so it's crucial to act promptly.

If the calipers are rebuilt or replaced, mechanics typically clean the caliper hardware, replace seals and pistons if rebuilding, or swap out the entire caliper unit if the damage is extensive. Using quality parts is key to ensuring smooth braking action. Lubricating the caliper slides and new brake pad installation usually comes hand-in-hand with caliper maintenance to maintain everything in optimal working order.

Regular brake system checks, including inspection of the calipers, are often recommended every 20,000 kilometres or during your scheduled servicing intervals. This helps spot issues early before they affect vehicle safety or lead to more expensive repairs. For those who like to be hands-on, having a look at the calipers yourself during wheel changes can provide useful insight into the condition of your brakes.

Whether you're cruising through city streets or tackling country roads, the brake calipers on the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer are one of the unsung heroes that ensure the car stops reliably when it needs to. Taking good care of them not only extends the life of your braking system but also helps keep every drive safe and smooth.