Rear Caliper Problem

[comme26]

I brought my 99 Camry to a mechanic and they said my rear calipers were seized. They said it will cost about $84 Canadian to fix each one. Is that a good price? Someone told me that the only way to fix seized calipers is to rebuild them or get new ones. Is that true? I asked my friend to check to see if the rear calipers were seized, and he said I had to take them off to check and that was the only way. Is there a way I can check? If I have to rebuild my calipers, do you think it is better to buy already rebuilt calipers(costs me less) or get the mechanic to rebuild the ones I already have(costs more)?

[Durrby]

^^took my advice and joined huh?

[userlain]

Originally Posted by comme26

I brought my 99 Camry to a mechanic and they said my rear calipers were seized. They said it will cost about $84 Canadian to fix each one. Is that a good price? Someone told me that the only way to fix seized calipers is to rebuild them or get new ones. Is that true? I asked my friend to check to see if the rear calipers were seized, and he said I had to take them off to check and that was the only way. Is there a way I can check? If I have to rebuild my calipers, do you think it is better to buy already rebuilt calipers(costs me less) or get the mechanic to rebuild the ones I already have(costs more)?

Doing a capiler job yourself is not a big deal, unless you are completely mechanically uninclined.

Do you have any junkyards around you? You might want to check for a set of rear calipers there.

[Toysrme]

Easy way to check. Take the bolt out and flip the caliper up. Have a buddy push the brake pedal. The piston should move when the pedal is pushed.

[karazy]

It depends on how it is seized. If it's the piston, I prefer to replace them. Usually there is pitting and internal damage and it's not worth the trouble. I only recommend kits for leaks, caused by bad rubber. If it's just the slider, I would just clean and lube.

Most shops, that give free estimates, should show you what is wrong and explain what needs to be done. This saves you from getting cold and dirty.