17 Brake Caliper Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for brake calipers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 17 brake caliper manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked brake caliper companies as of April, 2024: 1.TRW, 2.KTG Auto, 3.BBB Industries.
Table of Contents
What Is a Brake Caliper?
Brake calipers are one of the components of a disc brake, and their main function is to control the movement of the brake pads.
The brake caliper is an important component that holds the disc wheel, which rotates with the wheel, between the brake pads and generates frictional heat to stop the wheel from moving.
Uses of Brake Calipers
Disc brakes are used on the wheels of all kinds of vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, aircraft, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and railroads, and all wheels that use disc brakes have brake calipers.
In recent years, disc brakes have also been used in commercial vehicles, where drum brakes are the norm.
Principle of Brake Calipers
By depressing the brake pedal in the driver's seat of a car or pulling the brake lever of a motorcycle, hydraulic pressure is applied to oil called brake fluid.
The force of this hydraulic pressure is used to apply pressure to the pistons in the brake calipers, which in turn actuate the brake pads in the brake calipers. The brake pads press against the disc rotor, which rotates with the wheel, creating friction.
The heat generated by the friction causes the rotational energy (kinetic energy) of the wheel to be released in the form of heat energy, which reduces the rotational energy of the wheel and stops the wheel from moving.
Types of Brake Calipers
There are three types of brake calipers as follows:
- Floating type
- Opposed type
- Sliding caliper type
Each of these types has different features, advantages and disadvantages, and the brake caliper to be adopted depends on what is important to you.
Specifically, the floating type is installed on light cars and compact cars, the opposed type on sports cars, luxury cars, and commercial vehicles, and the sliding caliper type on passenger cars and trucks.
1. Floating Type
Also called the floating type or one-push type. The piston is pressed against the disc rotor from one side rather than both sides, making it the simplest structure among brake calipers. It has the advantage of being lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to install because it has only one piston and cylinder and few components.
On the other hand, the noise generated during braking (rattle sound) and low rigidity are disadvantages. Because of these characteristics, this type is mainly used in inexpensive vehicles, such as light cars and compact cars.
2. Opposed Type
Also called fixed-side or opposed-piston type.
It has a structure in which pistons are pressed against the disc rotor from both sides, and its merits are its high braking performance and rigidity. There are also types with two or more pistons.
On the other hand, the disadvantage of this type is that it is heavier and more expensive than other types because it has more pistons than other types. Because of their ability to provide stable control and braking performance, they are used in commercial vehicles, luxury cars, and sports cars that require greater braking force.
3. Sliding Caliper Type
Based on the floating type, the number of pistons is increased to two.
The two pistons are back-to-back, and when one piston is pushed out, the other piston is pulled in. This type of brake caliper has two pistons and one cylinder. It can be said that this type of brake caliper compensates for the weak point of low rigidity while retaining the advantages of the floating type, such as low cost and lightweight.
The greatest advantage of this type is that it has fewer disadvantages than the floating and opposed types.
Other Information on Brake Calipers
1. Life Expectancy and Replacement Period of Brake Calipers
Brake calipers are expected to last approximately 100,000 km. Brake pads, one of the components of brake calipers, have a shorter life than brake calipers because they are in direct contact with the disc rotor. Therefore, it is important to have brake pads inspected.
Therefore, it is recommended that brake calipers be inspected at the same time as brake pads. Also, if you notice any brake problems, such as poor braking performance or unusual noises, it is necessary to inspect and replace the brake calipers as soon as possible.
2. Sticking Brake Calipers
One of the most common problems with brake calipers is sticking. Sticking refers to a malfunction in which rust or dirt adheres to the pistons inside the Brake Calipers, causing the pistons to move sluggishly or become stuck, and the brake pads are unable to return from the position where they are pressed against the disc rotors.
This means that the brakes remain active while driving, leading to brake damage, which is dangerous. In particular, if sticking occurs on only one wheel, the brakes will be applied on only one side of the car, making it impossible to control the car and leading to a major accident.
Since brake calipers can be replaced relatively inexpensively, it is important to inspect and replace them regularly before they become sticking or otherwise malfunctioning.
3. How to Inspect and Maintain Brake Calipers
Brake calipers can be inspected and maintained by yourself, but the cost of having a mechanic perform the maintenance is approximately 150 USD. The following points should be checked during maintenance:
- Presence of rust
- Deterioration of piston seals and oil seals
- Filling of brake fluid
List of 17 Brake Caliper Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- China
- Germany
- United Kingdom
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BBB Industries
Brake Calipers
Company Overview
BBB Industries, established in 1987 and based in Daphne, Alabama, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of remanufactured automotive components. The company's product range includes battery storage, brake calipers, electronics, EV batteries, and lighting. These products support vehicle functionality in the automotive sector. The company serves the automotive, heavy-duty, small-engine, and industrial industries. It offers services such as sustainable manufacturing, electric power steering remanufacturing, upcycling of EV batteries, and solar panel upcycling.
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RINGSPANN GmbH
Pneumatic Brake Calipers
Manufacturer Overview
RINGSPANN GmbH, founded in 1944 with headquarters in Germany and operations worldwide, is a manufacturer and supplier of transmission components and precision clamping fixtures. The company's wide-ranging product line includes integrated freewheels, brake systems, drive shaft connections, clamping fixtures, and torque limiters. RINGSPANN's products are used in mining for conveyor belts, energy plants for wind turbines, electric bike OEM manufacturing, and food and packaging machines used by the food processing and production industries. The company's products are available from the RINGSPANN website and to commercial and enterprise clients through regional facilities.
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AP Racing Ltd
Brake Calipers
Manufacturer Overview
AP Racing Ltd., established in 1966 and headquartered in Coventry, United Kingdom, is a manufacturer of brake and clutch systems. The company specializes in providing a wide range of automotive components, including brake calipers, discs, clutches, and associated products. These components are engineered to meet the demands of various industries and applications, from motorsports to commercial and passenger vehicles. Its products are utilized by automotive manufacturers, racing teams, and aftermarket consumers, as the company's brake systems enhance the stopping power and reliability of race cars, ensuring driver safety and vehicle performance.
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CORAM
Brake Calipers
Manufacturer Overview
CORAM is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive components to ensure ergonomics, safety, and driving comfort since 1957. The products are sterling columns, brake calipers, hydraulic jacks, pedalboards, and special products such as control levers, welded metal structures, and telescopic rods used in agricultural vehicles, commercial means, cabins, construction means, forklifts, and special means. The company in Cologne, Italy, is ISO 14001 certified and supports the United Nations Global Compact Initiative.
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TUNGALOY CORPORATION
Brake Calipers
Manufacturer Overview
Tungaloy Corporation, established in 1934 and headquartered in Fukushima, Japan, is a manufacturer of metal cutting tools and industrial products. The company's product line includes turning, milling, and drilling tools with various dimensions. It also provides various resources such as machining calculator tools, tool navigators, and insert selection guides. Its products are designed to maximize the amount of metal being removed from parts. The company holds several certifications, including ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001. It serves various industries, including automobile, construction, aerospace, and medical.
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Zhongshan Brake Pad International Co. Ltd.
Brake Caliper
Company Overview
Zhongshan Brake Pad International Co. Ltd., established in 2009 and based in Zhongshan, Hunan, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive braking components. The company's product range includes brake pads, brake shoes, backing plates, levers, and shoe cores. These products are designed to ensure safety and optimal performance in vehicles. It primarily serves industries such as automotive manufacturers, automotive repair shops, vehicle fleet managers, and individual car owners. The company's services include product research, service enhancement, staff training, and expanding its distribution channels.
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Anhui Bo xing Machinery Co.,LTD
Brake Caliper
Company Overview
Anhui Bo xing Machinery Co., LTD, established in February 2008 and based in Xuancheng, Anhui, China, is an IATF16949 and ISO14001 certified manufacturer and supplier of auto brake calipers and related brake parts. The company's product lineup includes brake caliper, brake sleeve and pin kits, brake caliper pistons, brake pad fitting kits, and brake rubber dust cover kits. These products are designed for vehicles such as Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota. The company is used by automotive manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers. Its services include quality assurance, product development, customer support, and customization.
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Wenzhou BIT Automobile Parts Co., Ltd.
Brake Caliper
Company Overview
Wenzhou BIT Automobile Parts Co. Ltd, founded in 2011 and located in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China, is an automotive brake components manufacturer and supplier. Its products include brake calipers, brackets, and kits designed for vehicles from global car manufacturers. These components are used in automotive manufacturing, vehicle repair, the aftermarket parts industry, and other industries. The company also offers customization options, quality testing for its clients, and in-depth research in its product development.
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KTG Auto
Disc Brake Caliper
Company Overview
KTG Auto, established in 2001 and based in Jiading, Shanghai, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of brake calipers and related automotive components. The company's product range includes disc brake calipers, parking brake actuators, electric parking brake, disc brake spare parts, and Tesla parts. These products are used in passenger cars, SUVs, commercial vehicles, and boat trailers. They serve car manufacturers such as Ford, GM, BMW, and MAZDA. The company provides OEM/ODM manufacturing, specialized product development, rigorous testing, and quality assurance services. brakes
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MAT Foundry Group Ltd.
Brake Calipers
Company Overview
MAT Foundry Group Ltd, established in 2000 and based in Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom, is a manufacturer and supplier of cast iron products. The company's product range includes brake discs, caliper housing, differential cases, diesel injection pump housing, and camshaft & balancing shafts. These products are primarily utilized in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and various industrial applications. It serves passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, and industrial markets. The company is also used in iron casting, research & development, manufacturing, and product engineering support.
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Haining You Zuo Import And Export Co., Ltd.
Brake Caliper
Company Overview
Haining You Zuo Import And Export Co., Ltd, founded in 2017 and based in Haining, Zhejiang, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of retractable seating systems. The company's product range includes retractable seating systems, retractable grandstands, retractable bleacher seating, telescopic bleacher seating, and telescopic seating systems. These products are mainly used in stadiums, schools, universities, and churches. These solutions the stadium, educational institutions, religious centers, and retail industries. The company offers project solutions, stadium seat supplies, retractable bleacher supplies, and design consultations.
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TRW
Brake Calipers
Company Overview
TRW was launched in 2002 in Livonia, Michigan and is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive safety products for the personal cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles markets It supplies braking equipment such as disks, calipers, steering racks and pumps, stabilizer links and shock absorbers. Its motorcycle products catalog includes motor clutch, footrest, handlebars, brakes and chassis systems. The company also stocks brake calipers, shock absorbers, steering gears, and linkage and suspensions for the commercial vehicle industry.
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TAIZHOU SHUANGYI AUTO PARTS CO.,LTD.
Brake Caliper
Company Overview
TAIZHOU SHUANGYI AUTO PARTS CO., LTD, established in 1995 and based in Taizhou City, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of auto brake components. The company's product range includes brake master cylinder, brake wheel cylinder, clutch master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, and hydraulic clutch bearing. These components are used in the braking and transmission systems of vehicles. It serves industries related to brake systems, automobile transmissions, automotive assembly, and vehicle maintenance. The company's services include production, partnering for auto solutions, and ensuring applicability across various vehicle models.
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Shandong Frontech Auto Parts Co.,Ltd.
Brake Caliper
Company Overview
Shandong Frontech Auto Parts Co., Ltd, established in 2004 and based in Dongying, Shandong, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of brake components. The company's product range includes brake pads, brake discs, brake shoes, brake drums, and brake sensors. These products play crucial roles in ensuring vehicle safety and enhancing braking performance. It serves the automotive industry, particularly in the production and supply of OEM brake pads. The company also offers services related to technology development, product testing, and customer support.
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Taizhou Baoxiang Brake System Co., Ltd.
Brake Caliper
Company Overview
Taizhou Baoxiang Brake System Co., Ltd, established in 2008 and based in Yuhuan City, Zhejiang, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of brake calipers and systems. The company's product range includes brake calipers, racing brake calipers, modified car brake calipers, and aftermarket brake calipers. These products are essential for enhancing the performance and safety of various automobile braking systems. It serves industries such as car brake systems, SUV brake systems, and pickup light truck braking systems. The company offers services in research, manufacturing, product export, and customer satisfaction.
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CARDONE Industries
Brake Caliper
Company Overview
CARDONE Industries, established in 1970 and based in Philadelphia, PA, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive parts. The company's product range includes power brake boosters, rack & pinion, ABS components, brake calipers, and drive and prop shafts. These parts are used for vehicle functionality and performance. The company serves the brakes, drivetrain, electronics, and engine industries. The company also offers services such as remanufacturing, producing new components, engineering solutions, and ensuring quality standards.
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Kor-Pak Corporation
Industrial Brake Calipers
Distributor Overview
Kor-Pak Corporation, established in 1976 and headquartered in Lake Zurich, Illinois, is a distributor of industrial supplies and equipment. The company offers a range of products, including industrial brakes, clutches, crane electrification, friction material, and material handling products. These items have applications in various industries, such as cranes, hoists, conveyors, mining equipment, and other heavy-duty machinery. Specializing in various services, including sourcing replacement parts, refurbishing, retrofitting, and performing repairs, the company can also provide new parts, systems, accessories, and custom fabrication when needed. Additionally, the company possesses the capability to engage in reverse engineering and product improvement for existing products as required.
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Brake Caliper Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TRW |
10.4%
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| 2 | KTG Auto |
9.1%
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| 3 | BBB Industries |
9.1%
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| 4 | AP Racing Ltd |
9.1%
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| 5 | RINGSPANN GmbH |
9.1%
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| 6 | Zhongshan Brake Pad International Co. Ltd. |
7.8%
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| 7 | MAT Foundry Group Ltd. |
7.8%
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| 8 | CORAM |
7.8%
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| 9 | Wenzhou BIT Automobile Parts Co., Ltd. |
6.5%
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| 10 | Anhui Bo xing Machinery Co.,LTD |
5.2%
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Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the brake caliper page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- RINGSPANN GmbH: 500
Newly Established Company
- Haining You Zuo Import And Export Co., Ltd.: 2017 (7 years ago)
- Wenzhou BIT Automobile Parts Co., Ltd.: 2011 (13 years ago)
- Zhongshan Brake Pad International Co. Ltd.: 2009 (15 years ago)
Company with a History
- RINGSPANN GmbH: 1944 (80 years ago)
- CARDONE Industries: 1970 (54 years ago)
- BBB Industries: 1987 (37 years ago)
Brake Caliper Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Brake Caliper Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
China
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8 | 61.5% |
United Kingdom
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3 | 23.1% |
United States of America
|
1 | 7.7% |
Germany
|
1 | 7.7% |
