Calipers To Fit The Crown Vic- A Basic Resource For People Who Love Cars and Mechanics
Fit Crown Vic:
Fit Crown Vic Ford Crown Victoria is the ideal vehicle that the police find suitable, the taxi fleets and car enthusiasts also prefer it due to its reliability and strength, though like any other vehicle, this one needs maintenance and update in due course of time. One of the upgrades for the Crown Vic, with the calipers in the brake system, is crucial.
The brake calipers are a critical part of a car’s braking system. They have been tasked with squeezing the pads against the rotor for the sole purpose of slowing down or stopping the vehicle. If you are an owner or enthusiast of Crown Vics, it is going to be necessary to choose the correct type of caliper that fits your vehicle.
Let’s start by guiding you through the various types of calipers that fit well in the Ford Crown Victoria, factors to consider in selecting the best ones for your use, how to put them together for installation and subsequent maintenance for full performance, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) as well for perfect information.
Calipers Compatible for the Ford Crown Victoria:
Fit Crown Vic:
The Ford Crown Victoria is usually fitted with a 12.0-inch front brake rotor and an 11.9-inch rear brake rotor that requires a certain caliper size and design. Caliper fitment depends on several factors namely whether the vehicle is of a specific model year, if it has been changed in any form, and when you require OEM or aftermarket upgrades.
1. OEM Calipers
For most Crown Victoria owners, replacement brake calipers with OEM parts will be the best choice. OEM calipers are made to perfectly fit with an original vehicle specification and are considered preferable for retaining the performance of your car.
OEM Crown Vic calipers usually comprise:
Floating caliper design for both front and rear brakes
Standard steel construction for strength and durability
Compatibility with factory rotors and pads for the vehicle
In models of Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, or even modified Crown Vics for performance use, one has to check if the brake system has been upgraded compared to the original stock system due to the larger rotors or upgraded braking components that police models and performance vehicles require.
2. Aftermarket Calipers
Fit Crown Vic:
While OEM calipers are a safe and reliable choice, aftermarket calipers can be a great option for those looking for better performance or aesthetics. Aftermarket calipers come in a wide range of options, including more performance-oriented designs with improved braking power and cooling efficiency.
Some popular aftermarket brands that manufacture calipers for the Ford Crown Victoria include:
- Wilwood Engineering: Known for its high-performance calipers, Wilwood offers a range of calipers compatible with Crown Vics, and large rotors as well as for better heat dissipation.
- Baer Brakes: Baer offers performance calipers that boast improvements to braking power and efficiency and are designed to enhance the performance of your Crown Vic.
- Brembo: Typically, people associate Brembo with high-end sports cars, but also available are the aftermarket calipers for domestic motorcars like the Crown Victoria, which one would use when trying to upgrade for performance.
- Power Stop: Caliper kits offered by this brand include upgraded calipers, rotors, and pads, all defined for enhanced braking power.
These aftermarket calipers are made to provide various performance enhancements such as improved stopping power, enhanced heat resistance, and a more precise pedal feel. However, installing aftermarket calipers could mean altering the brake lines, rotors, and pad of your car.
Things to Consider When Selecting Calipers for the Crown Vic:
Fit Crown Vic:
When choosing the appropriate calipers for your Ford Crown Victoria, there are many things to look for:
1. Vehicle Model and Year
Fitment differs for calipers between model years of the Crown Victoria, so be sure you buy calipers designed for your car model year. For instance, if you have a Crown Victoria Police Interceptor that features a slightly modified brake system, then the standard caliper will not do. The caliper must be of that specific model.
2. Brake System Type
Check whether your Crown Victoria is equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Vehicles with ABS often require calipers that are already designed to work with the ABS. Some of the most popular aftermarket calipers may be inoperable with ABS sensors or components.
3. Performance Requirements
Fit Crown Vic:
Determine whether you need stock replacements or if you’re looking for improved performance. If you are using the Crown Victoria for high-performance driving, you may want to upgrade to larger, multi-piston fixed calipers, which can provide better heat dissipation, increased stopping power, and improved overall braking performance.
4. Material
The materials of calipers are usually either cast iron or aluminum. Cast iron calipers are stronger and can last longer, but it is also much heavier. Aluminum calipers are lighter and thus improve overall vehicle performance, especially in the reduction of unsprung weight. Depending on your needs such as performance versus durability, you can choose the material that suits your preference.
5. Rotor Size
For example, if your rotor size upgrades are designed for higher performance, you may need new calipers that fit larger sizes. Often, aftermarket performance calipers come with a larger internal design to help accommodate upgraded rotors.
Caliper Installation on Ford Crown Victoria:
Fit Crown Vic:
Installing new calipers on your Crown Victoria is one of those jobs that even seasoned DIYers might approach without too many headaches, though proper precautions need to be taken for safety and good performance. Here’s a step-by-step installation guide:
- Raise the Vehicle: You can simply use a jack to raise the car and support its weight with jack stands.
- Remove the Wheels: Use a lug wrench to remove the wheels for an unobstructed view of the brake components.
- Remove the Old Calipers: Unscrew the bolts that hold the old calipers in place and take out the calipers. Care should be taken when handling the brake lines to avoid injuring any of the brake lines.
- Fix the New Calipers: Insert the new calipers into their position and fix the bolts by tightening them for good. Remember to join the brake lines to the calipers and inspect for any leakage.
- Install the New Pads: The new pads may also be necessary for the kind of caliper used.
- Bleed the Brakes: Once the calipers are mounted, you need to bleed the brakes to remove any air content in the brake lines. This assures proper brake system operation.
- Reinstall the Wheels: Install the wheels and return the car to the ground.
FAQs About Calipers for Ford Crown Victoria:
Fit Crown Vic:
1. Can I use the same calipers for the front and rear brakes?
No. In most cases, the front and rear calipers for the Ford Crown Victoria are of differing sizes and designs. The front calipers are larger given the greater force required on the wheels for braking. Always ensure to get the correct calipers for each axle.
2. What are the correct calipers for my Crown Vic?
When purchasing calipers, identify the year, make, and model of your Ford Crown Victoria. OEM calipers are always safe with regard to fitting to a certain vehicle. For aftermarket suppliers, check fitment with the manufacturer’s specifications or with an automotive professional.
3. Do I replace the calipers or the entire brake system?
If your calipers have worn out or are broken, there is no need to hesitate to change them. But if your vehicle has other worn-out parts like your brake pads or rotors, it may be better to replace the entire system for perfect braking performance.
4. Can I upgrade to performance calipers?
Yes, you can upgrade to performance calipers, if indeed you want to enhance your Crown Victoria’s braking power. Performance calipers often have multi-piston designs and are made from lighter materials such as aluminum.
5. How often should I replace my Crown Victoria brake calipers? Brake calipers usually do not wear out that quickly but should be checked regularly for any signs of damage, leakage, or stiffening. If you notice issues such as uneven braking, squealing, or fluid leakage, it may be time to replace calipers.
Conclusion:
Fit Crown Vic:
For any Ford Crown Victoria’s braking performance to be kept and improved, choosing the appropriate caliper makes all the difference. After choosing either OEM or aftermarket upgrade, there are many options available to meet your requirements. Key considerations include compatibility, performance, and material used when choosing a caliper. If the calipers are inspected regularly and replaced when necessary, the Crown Victoria will be safe and running smoothly.
