2004 4Runner Limited Brake Job Cost

[pag04]

I have a 2004 4Runner Limited, 8cyl, 4WD with 128K on it. I got a quote for brakes all around of $624 for the front and $507 for the back; the quote included new calipers and rotors.
First question - does this seem reasonable?

Second question - My mechanic is recommending new calipers because at that mileage he has seen enough calipers where the pistons stick and do not come back out after being pushed back. How do you feel about that? If they are working, is there a reason to replace calipers after a certain number of miles?

Third question- been looking at the threads and this doesn't seem like that big a job. I've done brakes and rebuilt calipers before. Does the 4 wheel drive complicate the brake job?

 

[audiqtr]

DIY, especially if you've done brakes/calipers before.

 

[Mellow77]

I would suggest a DIY as brakes aren't that complicated. But to answer your question this does not seem reasonable to me. I'm not sure what the parts cost of new calipers, pads and rotors would be but I'm not sure I'm in agreement with his logic.

I'm a big proponent of doing it right the first time and can follow the logic of replacing the rotors instead of re-surfacing them but can't get behind all new calipers unless you're trying to address a functionality concern. If you're satisfied with the way they've been working then I see no reason to replace the original equipment that's functioning as designed. If you want some additional stopping power then I think caliper replacement (paired with appropriate aftermarket rotors is logical).

Let us know what you decide and grab some pics of the calipers/pistons in question.

 

[DaveS]

If that price is for all new rotors and pads and presumably rebuilt calipers all round its a pretty good price, but I agree it is rather hasty to just go replacing every caliper just in case.. If you live in an area with a lot of salt on the roads, you probably have a frozen caliper or two or will soon but if you live down south and rarely see much salt, you could well be ok and have no need to worry.

Edit: In terms of preventative maintenance, if it has not been done already, it might be more worthwhile having a brake fluid change/flush and having the sliders on the calipers serviced/cleaned instead of replacing the calipers if they are all ok.

 

[Mellow77]

Edit: In terms of preventative maintenance, if it has not been done already, it might be more worthwhile having a brake fluid change/flush and having the sliders on the calipers serviced/cleaned instead of replacing the calipers if they are all ok.

Good point; well said on a solid options to save some $'s and make a whole lotta sense...