After buying a new Escape in 2016, how long can the caliper seals last before they start leaking brake fluid? What is their lifespan? Brakes have 50,000 miles on them now. can the seals last another 50,000 miles? I need to replace the pads and rotors soon, can I skip buying new calipers?

 

In most cases, I have successfully changed pads and rotors without any concern over the seals. Just carefully press the piston back into the caliper and bleed new brake fluid into the caliper when you're done with the installation.

 

My 2004 that had almost 300,000 never had them changed.

 

Calipers are not a consumable item and should last many changes of pads, lifetime of the car in many cases. Problems normally occur when the outer dust seal is damaged, the exposed piston is pushed back and the rough corroded surface damages the hydraulic seal which then leaks/fails.

Motto is, when you replace the pads inspect the outer dust seals and if damaged investigate further.