I had my left front brake caliper seize in 2009 at 130,000 km. I could smell something burning under the front of my T4R, and upon investigating found the left front wheel extremely hot to the touch. Brake pads were toast, but rotors were salvageable. Expensive repair.
Now in 2011 at 141,000 km the right front caliper has seized. This time it was not noticed until I brought my T4R for its regular oil/filter service. My mechanic was checking the tire pressures with it up on the hoist, and he could not turn the rim freely by hand. Again pads had to be replaced, and rotors machined. Expensive repair.
With the power/torque of the V8, early signs of this issue are easily missed. Simply putting the vehicle in drive and stepping off the brake, the vehicle easily creeps ahead. Vehicles with less torque would not creep, leading to easy diagnosis. By the time most if us recognize a problem, the seized caliper has caused damage to pads and rotors.
I take very good care of my T4R, and follow recommended maintenance service. I also expect a certain amount of wear and tear on certain items. But this seems to be a premature failure of a component due to poor design and/or construction.
