Calipers and Brake Pads - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

geekchick · 07-07-2009, 05:18 PM

I just had all 4 tires replaced and the service guy said the metal on the inside of rim was very hot and I needed to have the calipers and brake pads replaced. I am clueless when it comes to car repairs. Is this correct or could it just be because it is very hot.
Thanks,
Kim

Dave's · 07-07-2009, 06:03 PM

Based upon your description it's hard to determine if the calipers need to be replaced. What often happens is the caliper quits 'floating' and the piston only pushes the inside pad against the disk. So the inside would become 'hot'. When pads are changed the calipers should be cleaned up so they slide easily. If one caliper has been sticking then the pads are uneven on that wheel and need to be replaced. (It could happen on both wheels too.) You should never replace pads on one wheel only even if only one side is bad. The caliper(s) should normally be able to be cleaned up and reused as part of the brake job. I typically do my own so I don't know if they usually charge extra for that or not but I don't think they should. Think it would have to be a really severe problem to require replacement of the caliper(s) but that's just my opinion.

geekchick · 07-07-2009, 07:35 PM

Thanks so much for explaining that to me in terms I can understand!!

***ASG14*** · 07-07-2009, 11:52 PM

I'd say Dave's sumed it up well.

I WOULD go to another show to get a second opinion as well.

Dave's · 07-08-2009, 02:09 AM

So can someone tell her about what a fair price would be? Around $150-200 for both front brakes would be my guess unless there really is a need to replace the whole caliper(s).

Mike Gerber · 07-08-2009, 11:25 AM

Around $200 seems about right to me., but then I'm dealing with Chicago area prices. Most of the time it's not necessary to replace the calipers. They are replaced only if the piston in the caliper is seized (This is different from the caliper not sliding on it's slide pins.), or the caliper is leaking brake fluid form the seal around it's piston. You may need to replace the rotors if they are badly scored and can not be turned (Trued on a brake lathe to remove any grooves and make them perfectly flat again.). That would add about $120 to the job.

It would also be helpful to know what year car you have, what engine is in the car and the current mileage; and if any brake work was previously done, what exactly was replaced at that time and how long ago.

Mike