bad brake calipers

[Wayne Maeda]

Just took my 97 Legacy to have its brakes inspected. I've been experiencing
noises and vibration in my brakes.I was told that my front disc brake pads
are wearing unevenly (one side pad is worn more than the other) and that
the reason is because the calipers are bad and need replacing. He
recommends replacing both front brake calipers and pads for about $350. Is
this the correct diagnosis and is the price ballpark?

Thanks,
Wayne

 

[Jim Stewart]

Just took my 97 Legacy to have its brakes inspected. I've been experiencing
noises and vibration in my brakes.I was told that my front disc brake pads
are wearing unevenly (one side pad is worn more than the other) and that
the reason is because the calipers are bad and need replacing. He
recommends replacing both front brake calipers and pads for about $350. Is
this the correct diagnosis and is the price ballpark?

If "he" is a dealership, it sounds like an excellent price.
If "he" is an independent shop, it's an ok price.

 

[Losiho]

If "he" is a dealership, it sounds like an excellent price.
If "he" is an independent shop, it's an ok price.

Are you sure you need to replace the entire caliper ? I once had a car that
wore brake pads unevenly, and the service department overhauled the calipers
with new piston seals and dust boots.

I'd get a 2nd opinion.

 

[Edward Hayes]

When pads wear unevenly it means that the guide pins are worn or need to be
lubricated. I'm a do-it-myselfer so I would relub or replace the guide pins
but considering the age of the vehicle I think I'd go with the new and 350
is a very good price. ed

 

[Wayne Maeda]

When pads wear unevenly it means that the guide pins are worn or need to
be lubricated. I'm a do-it-myselfer so I would relub or replace the guide
pins but considering the age of the vehicle I think I'd go with the new
and 350 is a very good price. ed

Thanks for the advice. I'll probably replace both calipers.

Wayne

 

[Chris Phillipo]

Just took my 97 Legacy to have its brakes inspected. I've been experiencing
noises and vibration in my brakes.I was told that my front disc brake pads
are wearing unevenly (one side pad is worn more than the other) and that
the reason is because the calipers are bad and need replacing. He
recommends replacing both front brake calipers and pads for about $350. Is
this the correct diagnosis and is the price ballpark?

Thanks,
Wayne

If one of the pistons is seized then you will likely need to replace the
caliper. You can rebuild them but this usually only makes sense if you
do it yourself because the cost of labor involved usually works out to
about the price of a new unit.