Toyota Sienna Caliper Parts
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan produced from 1997 onward. The brake calipers are at the heart of the Siennas braking system. Like nearly all vehicles, the Toyota Sienna uses them to slow the wheels down by creating friction on their surface.
What are the main types of Toyota brakes?The brake caliper is the assembly that contains the brake pads and pistons. The Toyota Sienna places them at the front wheels, but some models also place them at the rear wheels. When you press down on the brake, hydraulic pressure in the pistons forces the brake pad to clamp down on the rotor, which resembles a large metal disc. The disc forces the wheel to slow down or stop.
While there are primarily two types of brake assemblies, the pistons themselves can be made with plastic, aluminum, or chrome-plated steel. Steel pistons are generally stronger and more resistant to higher pressures and temperatures. The two types of brakes are
- Floating calipers, which are mounted on slides or bushings and move in relation to the disc. They have pistons located only on the inboard side. The pistons slide back and forth to apply pressure to both sides of the disc.
- Fixed calipers, which have pistons located on both sides of the disc. They remain in a fixed position as they clamp down on the disc.
The calipers are designed to last for many years, often as long as the Toyota itself lasts. However, sometimes they can wear down prematurely from extended use and stress. If this occurs, then they may start leaking brake fluid, making high-pitched sounds, functioning abnormally, and pulling your vehicle to the left or right. These parts have a significant impact on the braking, handling, and safety of your vehicle, so if they do wear down, they should be replaced immediately. Replacing the brake fluids and the brake pads and rotors when needed should help to preserve the integrity of the assembly over the life of the vehicle.
How do regular stock parts differ from high-performance parts?High-performance Toyota calipers offer improved braking power and superior handling. They generally have larger pistons or a different arrangement of pistons. Better heat dissipation, either through improved ventilation or a larger surface area, will also improve the effectiveness of the parts.
A minivan like the Toyota Sienna may not necessarily benefit from more stopping power because it is not typically driven at higher speeds. However, it might benefit from a stronger and more durable assembly, particularly if you are regularly driving on more difficult terrain or conditions. For most drivers, stock Toyota Sienna parts that match the performance and specifications of the original parts should suffice. Whichever ones you choose, you should make sure that you select caliper parts for Toyota Sienna that match the make, model, and year of your vehicle to ensure compatibility.