A Guide to Disc Brake Calipers for the 2001-2002 Chrysler Prowler
Understanding when and how to replace the brake calipers on your unique Prowler to maintain its stopping power.
- No widespread, Prowler-specific caliper issues are known; failures are from normal wear and tear.
- When replacing a caliper, you must also replace the pads and should strongly consider replacing the flexible brake hose.
- Choose an aftermarket brand based on your budget and desire for corrosion resistance; coated calipers offer better longevity and appearance.
- Brake caliper failure is a serious safety issue. Do not drive a vehicle with a suspected bad caliper.
Symptoms of a Failing Brake Caliper on Your Prowler
Because the Chrysler Prowler has no specific, common factory caliper defects, failures are typically due to age, wear, and moisture. Watch for these universal signs of a bad caliper.
- Vehicle Pulls to One Side: When braking, a pull to the left or right can mean one caliper is working harder than the other. A seized caliper piston can also cause the car to pull to one side constantly because the brake is always slightly applied.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: If the seals in the caliper piston fail, brake fluid can leak. This loss of fluid and pressure in the system results in a pedal that feels soft or goes further to the floor than usual.
- Uneven Brake Pad Wear: If you notice one brake pad is significantly more worn than the other when changing your brakes, it's a classic sign of a stuck caliper slide pin or piston.
- Brake Dragging or Burning Smell: A caliper that doesn't release properly will cause the pads to drag on the rotor, creating constant friction. This can lead to a noticeable burning smell after driving and can quickly overheat and damage both the pads and rotors.
- Visible Brake Fluid Leaks: Puddles of fluid near the inside of your wheel are a serious sign of a leaking caliper or brake hose.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Caliper
For the 2001-2002 Prowler, original equipment (OEM) Mopar calipers can be difficult to find and expensive. The aftermarket offers several reliable, brand-new options that meet or exceed factory specifications. They generally fall into a few categories.
Performance-Focused Brands
Powerstop: Often sold in kits with pads and rotors, Powerstop calipers are a popular choice for owners looking for a slight upgrade. They are new, not remanufactured, and often feature a durable powder-coated finish to resist rust and look good behind the Prowler's open wheels. They use high-temperature rubber seals for longevity.
Premium Coated Brands
Cardone: While known for remanufacturing, Cardone also produces new calipers. Look for their 'Ultra' series or calipers with a protective coating. This coating helps prevent the caliper body from rusting, which is a common issue with uncoated parts, especially in wet climates. These are a great choice for a durable, long-lasting stock replacement.
Standard Replacement Brands
Centric, Dynamic Friction, BBB Industries: These brands offer direct-fit, new replacement calipers that provide reliable, like-new performance. While they may not have the premium coatings of other brands, they are a cost-effective solution to fix a failed caliper and restore proper brake function. Centric parts are generally considered to be of good quality, though their standard coatings may allow for surface rust to appear sooner than on premium coated calipers.
Aftermarket Caliper Cost
| New Aftermarket Caliper (Single) | $39.90 - $87.09 |
| Estimated Shop Labor (Per Caliper) | $85 - $125 |
Pro Tip: Replace in Pairs?
While you only need to replace the failed caliper, it's often recommended to replace them in pairs (both front or both rear). This ensures even braking performance and that both sides have components of the same age and wear. At a minimum, if replacing only one, you should also install new brake pads and a new brake hose on both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What else should I replace with my calipers?
You must replace the brake pads on both sides. It is also highly recommended to replace the flexible brake hoses that connect to the calipers. Over time, these hoses can degrade internally, acting like a one-way valve and causing the new caliper to stick. You will also need fresh DOT 3 brake fluid to bleed the system.
Can I rebuild my Prowler's original caliper?
Rebuild kits with new seals and boots are available and are very inexpensive. However, rebuilding is a time-consuming and messy job that requires special tools. If the caliper piston or bore is corroded or pitted, the rebuild will fail. Given the low cost of a complete new aftermarket caliper, replacement is the more practical and reliable option for most owners.
What is a 'core charge' and does it apply here?
A core charge is a deposit paid on remanufactured parts. You get the deposit back when you return your old part. Since this guide focuses on NEW aftermarket calipers, there is typically no core charge involved. The listed brands offer new parts that do not require you to return the old one.
Do I need special tools for this job?
Yes. Beyond a good socket set and wrenches, you will need a tool to compress the caliper piston, a flare nut wrench for the brake line fitting to avoid stripping it, and a brake bleeding kit (or a helper) to remove air from the system after installation.
Technical Specifications
The 2001-2002 Chrysler Prowler uses single-piston floating calipers on both the front and rear axles. Aftermarket replacements are designed to be a direct bolt-on replacement for the original equipment.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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