What is an indication of a faulty brake caliper?

Uneven brake pad wear is a clear indication of a faulty brake caliper because it suggests that the caliper is not applying equal pressure across the brake pads. When a caliper is stuck, it can lead to one pad wearing down more rapidly than the other, causing an imbalance in braking force. This can happen when the caliper slides or the piston inside it fails to retract properly, leading to prolonged contact with the rotor on one side.

Observing this uneven wear not only highlights potential issues with the caliper but also can affect overall vehicle safety and performance by reducing the effectiveness of the brakes. Therefore, recognizing this type of wear is critical for identifying caliper issues and preventing further damage to the braking system or compromising safety on the road.