Hyundai i20 Brake Caliper Problems

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The Hyundai i20 has a lot of positive qualities, but it also has some drawbacks. The brake calipers of the Hyundai i20 have various issues, much like any other car type. This article discusses these issues, their causes, and possible solutions.

The caliper getting caught is the most typical and commonly reported issue with Hyundai i20 brake calipers. Particularly while working as a mechanic who specializes in particular automobile models, you frequently hear this issue.

As the driver depends heavily on a functional brake system to drive safely, issues with the calipers or any other brake system component stand out from other car parts and immediately draw attention.

We’ll then talk about the several symptoms that the trapped calipers cause. You can tell your caliper is stuck here.

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What are the typical brake caliper issues with the Hyundai i20?

1. unilateral pulling

For a novice, having your automobile tug you in a direction against your will can be a little frightening. This type of reaction to using the brakes can be caused by stuck brake calipers. The identification of which brake pad is harmed is simple.

The front wheels’ brake calipers are the ones that are engaged because of the one-sided tugging that occurs when the brakes are applied. The only brake sets that have an impact on the steering wheel are these. Although they may also cause various symptoms in addition to the one-sided pulling, rear calipers can also become trapped.

The direction the car is being pulled when the brakes are engaged is another issue to watch out for. Recall to maintain straight steering and refrain from assisting this uncontrolled movement. The brake caliper on the passenger side of your Hyundai i20 is the one that is stuck when it is dragged to that side.

Except you enjoyed being dragged or receiving direction from your vehicle, this condition should not be allowed to linger for a long time before intervention. It is a progressive condition, that is, it gets worse as you continue to drive around with the car. At some point, it can take you completely off the road.

2. Smell

Some odors are so offensive that you’ll need to open the car window so you can get some fresh air. This is how the odor associated with a jammed caliper is described. The trapped caliper generates a tremendous amount of heat and an unpleasant rotten egg smell that the car’s occupant finds extremely repulsive.

Keep in mind that this fragrance is distinct from that brought on by the brake pads wearing down when the brakes are applied abruptly and without notice. The rubber of the tires rubbing against the tarred road in this case may be the source of the stench rather than the pad.

The brake performance is significantly decreased as a result of the intense heat and odor associated with a jammed brake caliper. For this reason, this symptom shouldn’t be disregarded. Additionally, the smell is typically intolerable, which is reason enough for the driver to inquire about the source of the smell and possible solutions.

3. fuel economy

Stuck calipers give the appearance that the brakes are being applied continuously. This gives the impression that you are depressing the acceleration pedal while applying the brakes. The effect on the engine is that a lot of energy is used to initially get the automobile rolling by overcoming this braking impact.

As a result, a lot of gas is used during the process. This is horrible news, especially given how much petrol costs have increased recently. When you acquire a stuck brake caliper, you will notice a substantial difference if you keep note of how much petrol you put in your tank and the distance traveled.

4. Smoke

Fortunately, the color of the smoke produced when the brake in a Hyundai i20 is stuck is obvious, especially while you are driving and are looking behind you. A smoke trail coming from sources other than the exhaust pipes can be seen in the side mirror.

In addition to indicating stuck brake calipers, colorless smoke entering the car would have been dangerous for the driver and other occupants’ lives. Usually undetected, it gradually fills the air when it is inhaled, causing carbon monoxide poisoning.

Fortunately, in the case of smoke from blocked brakes, the only environmental consequence to be concerned about is air pollution.

These are some of the typical signs of a stopped brake caliper in a Hyundai i20. Let’s now look at some of the causes of brake caliper issues with the Hyundai i20.

What are the reasons for brake caliper issues with the Hyundai i20?

pistons for calipers

Every Hyundai i20 has a caliper piston, which is primarily used in the brake system to make contact between the brake pad and the rotor, which causes braking. When the caliper piston’s rubber seal breaks down, the caliper may become stuck and result in ineffective braking, smoke, and a rancid-egg odor.

Brake caliper bolts

The caliper is secured with the caliper bolts. The bolts are the sole thing keeping the caliper in place after a substantial number of heat cycles.

They are tightened to the point where they hold the caliper in place while still allowing for some mobility. As a result, they are not too tightly secured.

The brake caliper could become jammed if the bolts are overtightened. The caliper is affected in the same way by rust. One of the most frequent causes of a stuck caliper is the use of incorrect lubricating grease, failure to apply grease, and faulty rubber boots.

Fortunately, stuck calipers caused by bolt issues can be quickly rectified and do not need to be completely replaced once the diagnosis has been determined. The bolts are simply taken out with a breaking bar, a wrench, or a car jack, then quickly put back in.

brake cable

The brake line that runs underneath the car could be made of metal or not. The metallic brake lines have their issues, even while they are safer and guard against malicious acts like someone attempting to endanger your life by tampering with the brake lines.

When the metallic brake line is pressed into the chassis, it may become crimped or indented. When this occurs, the passage of the braking fluid is impeded, which results in subpar brake performance. Similar to the issue with the brake hose, the majority of mechanics and experts suggest replacing the full brake line rather than just the damaged section.

Caliper slides

Now look at the brake pads on your Hyundai i20; you will see that they have silent gutters or notches running across them. Caliper slides are the name for these notches. They are not only a component of the pads, and they are not at all decorative.

These slides are located on the contact surface of the brake pads, which is where the brake pad rubs against the rotors. The pad may move back and forth over the rotor using these slides without becoming trapped.

The pads may become stuck, leading to uneven pad wear and the noise, smell, smoke, and other symptoms mentioned in the previous section. This can happen if the shim between the pad and rotor is damaged or if some debris or dirt gets into the caliper slides.

In this case, both the defective shim and the unevenly worn brake pads would need to be replaced. The rotors and other areas that can be reached should be cleansed of pad dust.

Brake hose

When the brake line is implicated, unlike other sticking caliper causes, it frequently seems normal from the exterior, giving it a deceptive look that necessitates a more probing approach. When the brake hose breaks, pressure is trapped inside the brake line, which leads to the brakes locking up.

There is no remedy when this occurs. It is only possible to solve this issue by having the brake hose replaced. The majority of mechanics advise taking advantage of the chance to have all of the brake hose removed and replaced, even though only the broken brake hose can be removed and replaced. You’ll experience higher braking efficiency and drive more tranquility if you do it this way.

How do you fix brake caliper issues with a Hyundai i20?

Replacement

The alternatives for repairing or resolving brake caliper issues with the Hyundai i20 are limited. The caliper piston, brake lines, caliper slides, or more than one of these brake components are typically the tiny brake system component that is to blame for a failure.

Most of the time, none of these can be mended; they can only be replaced. Fortunately, brake lines and other brake parts are simply replaceable and are commonly available in both online and offline auto shops.