Seized Calliper

[Sven]

Hi all,

I've just been told that my rear-offside caliper is siezed and it'll cost £175 to fix and change the pads. (This is from the dealer - having it serviced)

Before I go and do that, is it easy free them or is it send it in jobbie?

I know I'll have to get new pads as one of them (the stuck one) is down to 70% wear.

Couldn't find anything on knowledge base, so any help appreciated!!

Thanks everyone!!

Sven.

[gsportcars]

Get one from a breakers yard and check it is not siezed before fitting.

[Monster-Mat]

i think i have a few if your interested

[Sven]

ah... so it is a "replace it" not just an "unseize it" situation. Ooohh...

Monster-Mat, How much are they? I don't know where there are any Lexus breakers in the Herts/Cambs area. Anyone know any?

And, as I can't find a Haynes manual anywhere, any pointer on how to replace them is definitely pint worthy!

Thanks everyone, looking forward to the replies!

Cheers,

Sven.

[jay m]

my calpiers were seized, i used a mini blow torch to heat them up to expand the metal and worked it out with a pair of mole grips, then after i used brake cleaner and a wire brush to clean it up, followed by grease and its as good as new.

[Sven]

Jay, amazing mate!

Don't suppose you have any pictures/pointers/warnings have you?

[javadude]

I did similar to jay - stripped the calipers down, cleaned them, fitted new rubber seals and replaced. Took 5.5hrs total for the two rear ones and was hard work and very fiddly. Cost was about £70 or £80 for the seals plus some brake fluid. There are loads of instructions on the web tho not specific for lexus but I used one of these. In future I think I'll just replace the calipers. It's more expensive but much simpler. Thats just my preference though.

[garethr]

Is the piston seized in the caliper, or is the caliper seized on the pin?

[Sven]

Is the piston seized in the caliper, or is the caliper seized on the pin?

To be honest, I dont know!

All lexus (Hatfield) told me was that the "caliper is seized, and we can do it for £175." I gulped. Thought there must be a better way.

Is there a big difference, and I one easier to fix than the other?

Cheers!

Sven

[peter026]

Go out in it, not too far, then call the AA or RAC, or whichever break down service you're with, then let them fix it for you :winky: . Or at least they might be able to let you know what exactly is wrong, and then go from there

[winnie]

Start off with the easier option:

Take the caliper off and the slider should move under a bit of pressure with the fingers,if not then pull back the rubber clean the slider and apply a bit of grease, if its o.k then the piston is seized and if you know what your doing you can as said previously get a piston repair kit which will involve stripping it down.

You can buy hose clamps so you dont lose any fluid from the brake system.