Parts supplier Imperial Engineering is reminding operators of the importance of good maintenance during harsh winter conditions, which it says place the spotlight on the need to ensure key vehicle systems are properly maintained to safeguard their intended service life. Disc brake assemblies are especially vulnerable to premature failure due to water ingress, the firm said.
Imperial Engineering said it has seen an increase in demand for replacement disc brake components, despite the fact that parts such as OE calipers are designed to last the typical 15-year lifetime of a vehicle providing they are properly inspected and maintained. Concerned that this is causing customers unnecessary and unplanned expense, the firm said it has investigated early caliper failure in detail and found four specific caliper-related faults that can be rectified upon inspection to ensure they deliver their intended service life. The first fault the firm highlighted was a poor seal between caliper and actuator, which it said typically occurs after changing a spring brake when the unit has not been correctly refitted, leading to causing corrosion and seizure of the caliper.
Missing sealing caps, which are intended to provide a seal for the caliper to prevent water ingress during service or when a vehicle is being power washed, were also cited as a cause of failure, as were seized caliper bearings caused by dirt and water ingress due to damaged or missing seals.
The final item identified was torn caliper boots, often caused by heat damage or road debris and which can lead to dirt build-up and water ingress in the disc brake’s internal mechanism causing premature failure.
“All these issues can be easily overcome by providing technicians with training on the correct methods of disc brake system inspection and maintenance. Imperial Engineering has a wealth of disc brake system knowledge and is pleased to support operators with technical advice and guidance,” the company said.
