Fixed vs Floating Caliper Discussion

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One question our technical service experts often get asked is how a floating caliper operates in comparison to a fixed caliper. In this training video, we will show you how a floating caliper works, and illustrate why it is so important to lubricate the caliper slides.

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Fixed Caliper Operation

A fixed caliper operation is very simple to understand. A fixed caliper does not move when the brakes are applied. There are pistons on both sides of a fixed caliper. When the brakes are applied, the pistons apply the brake pads on both sides against the rotor.

Floating/Sliding Caliper Operation

A floating caliper's operation is a little more complex. On a floating caliper, there is only one piston. So how does a floating caliper apply the outboard pad?

When the brake pedal is applied, the piston comes out and applies the inboard pad. At the same time, as the piston comes out, the caliper itself slides to apply the outboard pad.

That is why it is so important to properly lubricate caliper slide pins. If the caliper isn't able to slide properly, the outboard pad won't make proper contact with the rotor.