How to Remove the Brake Caliper Bridge on Your Car

A reduction in the thickness of the caliper bridge allows for an increase in brake torque output—-what all this means is that your car will stop faster. The speed a car stops can save a life. When you hear a high-pitched squeaking noise when you depress your brakes, the noise means your pads are worn and you are not stopping at peak performance.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lug wrench
• Wood blocks
• Jack
• Socket set
• Screwdriver

1. Kick a wedge behind the back wheels of your car. Jack the front of the car up so the front wheels are off the ground. A mechanic's car lift makes this job far more comfortable.

2. Work the lug nuts—-loosen them and retain the nuts. It will help if a person in the car depresses the brakes. This holds the wheel still while you apply torque to the lug nuts.

3. Find the lower caliper bolt—-loosen it, but do not remove it. You will need to swivel the caliper up and out of the way. Do not remove it completely.

4. Stick a screwdriver through the caliper and compress the piston. You will need some good arm strength—depression requires a steady push downward.

5. Thread the screwdriver between the veins of the rotor and pry back. The vein is a little hole in the rotor.

6. Push the piston of the caliper back gently. Steps 4, 5 and 6 are all part of the caliper compression. These steps allow you to reach the caliper bridge.

7. Take the caliper bridge bolts off. Be prepared to remove a brake line if necessary. At this point, the caliper hangs by the brake line only. Support the caliper to relieve the stress from the brake line.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a container ready to drain the brake line fluid.
• Do not work alone on your car.