Brake Caliper Bracket
A metal frame bolted to the steering knuckle or spindle that holds the brake caliper in place and guides the sliding brake pads.
The brake caliper bracket is a heavy, rigid metal component that serves as the mounting foundation for the disc brake caliper. It bolts securely to the vehicle's steering knuckle (on the front) or suspension spindle (on the rear). The brake caliper itself then mounts to this bracket using sliding pins, which allows the caliper to float and self-center over the brake rotor.
Additionally, the caliper bracket features slots that hold the brake pads in place. Metal shims or clips fit into these slots, providing a smooth surface for the tabs of the brake pads to slide back and forth as the brakes are applied and released. The bracket holds the pads parallel to the rotor to ensure even contact and braking force.
Although the bracket itself is a solid piece of metal that rarely breaks, its slide pin bores can corrode, and the slide pins can seize due to loss of lubrication or torn rubber boots. When pins seize inside the bracket, it prevents the caliper from sliding, leading to uneven brake pad wear, brake dragging, overheating, and pulling to one side. Resolving this requires removing the bracket, cleaning or drilling out the corrosion, and replacing the slide pins and boots.