Raybestos Calipers Review in 2023: Are They Still the Best?

Brake calipers are arguably the most pivotal parts of a disc brake system because they hold the brake pads and pistons in place. They squeeze the brake pads against the disc-shaped rotor, creating fiction that helps to stop the car.

Replacing damaged brake calipers is a top priority, but with several brands making brake calipers, identifying the one with the best durability and fit is an uphill task.

The Raybestos Calipers Reviews will discuss the best options for your use.

What You Should Know

Raybestos calipers are designed with sturdy materials to enhance stopping efficiency. Check out some of their key features in this Raybestos Element 3 Caliper review.

Features of the Raybestos FRC115500 Professional Grade Remanufactured Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper

• Brand: Raybestos
• Model: FRC11550 Professional Grade Remanufactured Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper
• Position: Rear

Find out more about this product here.

Features of the Raybestos RC12141 Professional Grade Remanufactured Loaded Disc Brake Caliper

• Brand: Raybestos
• Model: RC12141 Professional Grade Remanufactured Loaded Disc Brake Caliper
• Position: Rear

Check out more about the product on this website.

Features of the Raybestos FRC11021 Professional Grade Remanufactured Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper

• Brand: Raybestos
• Model: FRC11021 Professional Grade Remanufactured Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper
• Position: Left Rear

See more features about the product here.

Features of the Raybestos FRC11554 Professional Grade Remanufactured Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper

• Brand: Raybestos
• Model: FRC11554 Professional Grade Remanufactured Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper
• Position: Front & Rear

Check this website to find out more about the product.

Top Pick Section

Best for Overall Performance - Raybestos FRC11550 Professional Grade Remanufactured Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper

This Remanufactured Brake Caliper is designed with great features to produce an excellent stopping performance.

Best for Fitting - Raybestos RC12141 Professional Grade Remanufactured Loaded Disc Brake Caliper

This Remanufactured Brake Caliper easily accommodates brake pads and fits into the brake system of vehicles.

Best for Ease of Installation - Raybestos FRC11021 Professional Grade Remanufactured Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper

This brake caliper is one of the easiest to install, as it comes with all the necessary hardware to facilitate the process.

Best for Durability - Raybestos FRC11554 Professional Grade Remanufactured Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper

This Raybestos Caliper is made with outstanding aluminum material and anti-corrosion coating to maximize durability and performance.

Reviews of the Best Raybestos Calipers

1. Raybestos FRC115500 Professional Grade Remanufactured Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper

Raybestos FRC115500 is one of the best-remanufactured brake calipers my team has tested. This caliper is durable, built to last, and arrives at a low price.

The semi-loaded caliper is made of high-grade materials to maximize stopping performance. What's sets the caliper apart from its competitors is its high-heat temperature resistance. The caliper features a corrosion-resistant and high-temperature synthetic lubricant to withstand rust and extreme heat [1].

Additionally, the synthetic lubricant improves the lifespan of the brake pads and pistons by minimizing the noise they produce when braking. This ensures that you drive smoothly with low noise.

The Raybestos brake caliper comes friction-ready, meaning it comes with all the required hardware. It's constructed with a high-quality friction build that guarantees spectacular braking performance. This means you don't have to worry about brake failures in emergency and unexpected situations, as the caliper is super responsive.

The issue my team had with this caliper is the installation process. While my team managed to install it in the 2005 Tundra, the process was a little bit tricky.

Also, the caliper didn't line up well with the brake line on the right. However, my team made a slight adjustment in the brake pad line, and it fitted into the caliper seamlessly. The caliper is compatible with the brake systems of many vehicles, which is quite commendable.

Apart from the tricky installation process and fitting, the caliper is great. It's a good choice if you want to upgrade the worn-out caliper in your automobile.

2. Raybestos RC12141 Professional Grade Remanufactured Loaded Disc Brake Caliper

If you want the perfect brake caliper replacement with an easy fit, you should consider the Raybestos RC12141 Professional Grade Remanufactured Loaded Disc Brake Caliper.

This brake caliper conveniently fits into the 1997 Subaru Outback AWD as well as several other vehicles. It lines up with the brake line perfectly. Plus, the installation process is not complicated, making the caliper ideal for beginners' use.

Like the Raybestos FRC115500 Professional Grade Semi-Loaded Caliper, this product boasts a superior build that offers outstanding resistance against wear and friction. It's durable and will last for a long time before you can think of replacing it.

The Raybestos caliper ensures that braking performance isn't affected, as it's highly responsive. It clamps the brake pads onto the brake rotor tightly, producing friction on the rotor that will slow your vehicle down effectively.

Another impressive feature about this brake caliper is the high-temperature lubricant that it comes with. It prevents the caliper from rusting and overheating frequently. This prolongs the caliper’s lifespan as well as enhances braking.

The model is a little heavy, and it can add to the brake system's overall weight and the car. This may make driving the vehicle relatively complicated. Apart from that, the caliper is slightly costly.

3. Raybestos FRC11021 Professional Grade Remanufactured Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper

This Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper is a durable replacement caliper to purchase for your sedan and 2WD vehicles.

The Raybestos caliper is constructed to improve durability and guarantee steady performance. You don't have to worry about unresponsive and slow braking. Braking is safe and smooth.

Additionally, the caliper is easy to install and fits perfectly. However, it only fits into the rear driver side of most automobiles. Also, it's not compatible with vehicles using drum brakes, which my team finds disappointing.

My team tried installing the model in a 2003 Sierra 2500HD, and it fitted in impeccably, thanks to the added hardware. The caliper comes with a bracket, new pins, and boots to make the installation process seamless. Due to its high-quality friction-ready build, the caliper can accommodate various brake pads and pistons.

What's more? The caliper is super resistant to extreme heat and rust, thanks to the high-temperature synthetic lubricant. This feature doesn't only prevent the product from corroding but enables it to function quietly.

It's also made with solid GM casting with new seals to improve the caliper’s toughness. With this caliper installed in the brake system, you can brake efficiently for years to come.

The price is also great - quite affordable compared to calipers from other brands with the same specifications.

4. Raybestos FRC11554 Professional Grade Remanufactured Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper

Raybestos FRC11554 Professional Grade Remanufactured Semi-Loaded Disc Brake Caliper is another premium-quality caliper you can purchase to replace the damaged one in your vehicle.

One of the things that makes this product a standout is its construction. This caliper is made with a unique anti-corrosion coating to prevent rust and other things that can reduce its durability [2].

Apart from the unique anti-corrosion coating, the model also features a high-temperature synthetic lubricant - a superb add-on that offers enhanced resistance against wear and corrosion. Thanks to these, braking is maximized.

In terms of ease of installation, my team experienced no issue installing this model in a 2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited V6. The caliper comes ready to be installed with hardware like pins and a return spring to facilitate a quick installation. In addition to that, it's friction-ready, making it convenient for you to choose the ideal brake pad for it.

However, my team discovered that the caliper doesn't fit into small vehicles easily during testing. If you ride a sedan, you may have to choose another brake caliper from other products reviewed here.

Conclusively, the caliper is leak-free and will save you the trouble of checking it frequently for repairs. Due to its durability and unique construction, you can use this product for years without issues.

Things to Consider When Buying Raybestos Calipers

Buying Raybestos calipers goes beyond picking up a product and cashing in on it. You'll have to consider various factors when shopping so that you choose the best fit for your vehicle. This will prevent you from wasting your money and time.

This Raybestos Calipers Review will discuss the things to consider before buying Raybestos Calipers.

Build and Construction

One significant reason why many people avoid aftermarket products is that they feel they are less durable than OEMs. However, the reverse is the case here.

Raybestos Element 3 Calipers are built with good quality materials, like aluminum and cast-iron, that will stand the test of time. However, there are lots of products parading as Raybestos calipers in disguise. You need to make sure that what you are buying is made by Raybestos and durable.

Fit

Raybestos calipers are designed to fit into a brake system. However, brake systems of automobiles differ. This means that you shouldn't expect all the calipers to fit in seamlessly.

Many people have returned their brake calipers because they weren't the perfect fit for their vehicles. To avoid experiencing this, you need to ensure that your pick is compatible with your vehicle.

Ease of Installation

This is another vital factor to consider. Raybestos Calipers may be compatible with your vehicle but complicated to install. A significant factor that causes this is the lack of complete hardware.

Check the Raybestos Calipers to see if it comes with complete accessories. If it does, you'll find it easier to mount.

Performance

Choose Raybestos Calipers that offer an all-round performance. To know this, you would have to test them.

Check if the caliper is leaking or has high-temperature issues by driving them installed. Also, you need to determine if they easily get rusty or not. If everything checks out, you should have no issues when you buy them. 

Raybestos Vs. AC Delco Calipers

Raybestos and AC Delco Calipers are some of the best-remanufactured brake calipers brands. They are popular for making durable brake calipers, brake pads, and other parts. These brands are reliable and design brake parts that exceed OEM specifications.

AC Delco is owned by GM (General Motors), an American Automotive Parts Brand that offers new and remanufactured for GM and non-GM vehicles. Like Raybestos Calipers, AC Delco Calipers are made of premium-quality materials like cast-iron and aluminum to boost braking and driving comfort [3].

Due to the materials used, AC Delco Calipers are highly resistant to corrosion. They are pressure tested to withstand extreme heat temperatures, ensuring that you brake safely and confidently. Like Raybestos, AC Delco Calipers are coated with zinc material for additional protection against wear.

Despite their similarities, Raybestos and AC Delco still differ.

Raybestos Calipers have a high-temperature synthetic lubricant - this offers enhanced resistance against friction. AC Delco Calipers lacks this. However, they are easier to install, as they come with no extra hardware. Most AC Delco Calipers are unloaded.

Who Makes Raybestos Calipers?

Raybestos makes Raybestos Calipers under a parent company, known as Brake Parts Inc (recently bought by First Brands Group, Trico). Brake Parts Inc is headquartered in McHenry, Illinois, United States. Then, Raybestos Calipers were distributed by Raymark Industries Inc before the latter filed for bankruptcy in 1998.

Raybestos was established in 1902 by two brothers - Arthur H. Raymond and Arthur F. Law from Connecticut. The brand is a famous and leading aftermarket brand in the automotive industry. Raybestos Calipers are well-made, friction-ready, and help the brake pads perform excellently, as stated in Raybestos Element 3 review.

How to Remanufacture Brake Calipers

Remanufactured brake calipers are products whose existing components have been removed and replaced with new ones. The caliper's core is never changed - only the other components that are susceptible to wear that the manufacturer changes. Remanufactured brake calipers are also known as aftermarket calipers.

Remanufacturing calipers involves disassembling existing models - usually out of use and replacing the worn-out parts with new ones. What the remanufacturer does is clean the caliper and install new pistons, o-rings, and an external seal. In some cases, the remanufacturer includes new brake pads and other mounting hardware.

After the remanufacturing process, the calipers are then tested thoroughly by the aftermarket brand to ensure that they perform at an optimum level - almost at the same level of OEM products, if not better. They are also tested to ensure that they are safe to use.

The process is only peculiar to the automotive industry, as they have the required tools and machines to carry out the process. Generally, remanufacturing brake calipers are the same, but each aftermarket brand may design them according to their methods.

Although the process returns the old calipers to life, the remanufactured calipers come with no warranties. However, most of them tend to last long. Plus, they are environmentally-friendly and affordable.

Which Caliper: A1 Cardone or Raybestos?

Cardone is another reliable brand for making durable brake calipers and other brake components. Though it's less popular than Raybestos, Cardone has proven to be one of the automotive industry's big guns.

A1 Cardone and Raybestos both have their pros and cons. They are both easy to install, compatible with many vehicles, and arrive at affordable prices.

The differences between the A1 Cardone and Raybestos Calipers lie in their weight and durability. A1 Cardone Calipers are relatively heavier than Raybestos. This makes them more ideal for use in heavy-duty vehicles.

While the Calipers from both brands perform well, Raybestos boasts a more unique construction than A1 Cardone. Due to this unique construction, Raybestos Calipers can withstand corrosion and heat to a great degree. A1 Cardone can only do so much when it comes to resisting heat and preventing corrosion.

A1 Cardone Calipers also rust faster and tend to be less durable than Raybestos Calipers.

What Is the Difference Between a Loaded and Unloaded Brake Caliper?

Lots of car owners and enthusiasts find the meaning of loaded and unloaded brake calipers confusing.

A loaded brake caliper comes with brake pads and other hardware. On the other hand, the unloaded caliper comes without brake pads.

Loaded calipers have the brake pad installed inside of them. This type of calipers used to be quite popular, but customers see it as unviable these days.

Loaded calipers don't offer customers the freedom that they need. With loaded calipers, you can't choose the brake pad that you want because they all come with one installed. Sometimes, the quality of the brake pad isn't always good.

This is one of the reasons why customers prefer unloaded calipers. Although unloaded calipers don't come with a brake pad installed, you can choose whichever brake pad you deem fit.

What Is Caliper Core?

A caliper core is a deposit that you must pay in addition to the cost of the caliper during the process of acquisition. Retailers adopt the core charge method to promote a product's recyclability. It ensures that you return your old part instead of disposing of them.

The core deposit is usually 5% - 10% of the total cost of the new product. If you want to replace the old caliper in your vehicle, you'll be required to pay the total cost of the new caliper plus the core deposit. Your deposit will be refunded if you return the old part.

Raybestos Calipers Review (FAQs)

1. Are Raybestos Brakes good?

Raybestos Brakes are one of the best in the market. They are incredibly reliable, efficient, low dust, and offer low noise operation.

2. Who makes the best remanufactured brake calipers?

Raybestos makes one of the best remanufactured brake calipers. Their brake calipers are made of durable materials for long use. Additionally, the calipers are resilient and are built with high-temperature lubricant to resist rust and overheating.

3. Is it OK to replace just one brake caliper?

It's okay to replace just one brake caliper, but my team wouldn't advise that. It's best to replace the calipers in pairs when one of them shows signs of damage. You may never know how deeply affected the other may be, and this can affect braking performance.  

4. How long do remanufactured calipers last?

Remanufactured calipers can last for more than ten years or at least 90,000 miles. However, the duration depends largely on how the calipers are maintained, your driving style, humidity level, and climate. If well maintained and all the factors are favorable, you can use the calipers for an extended period.

5. Are rusty brake calipers a problem?

Rusty brake calipers aren't a problem and won't affect your vehicle's braking performance as long as the rust isn't deep. If all the essential bits inside are well protected and have no signs of rust, you shouldn't have a problem. Most rusts are superficial, but you should seek an expert's help to see if the rusts run deep into the calipers.