Brake calipers, not sure

[Rayh78]

2003 4runner sport. 84K miles.
Only at rare times we get a bad vibration in the front end. Shop has not been able to find a problem. I had something similar (not as bad) with a 2003 Tundra. Took shop a few tries until they found the calipers were sticking. Replaced and solved the problem.

So I am just guessing I have the same* problem with the 4Runner.* So thinking just go ahead and replace calipers to save trips back to the shop for them to find the problem.

But are OEM calipers actually better than aftermarket? Worth the price? Looks like about 300.00 a piece for just the part.
If not what brand would be the best aftermarket.

Thanks for any suggestions

 

[Elan750]

I would totally get aftermarket rebuilds. They are using oem castings, just rebuilding them. Save yourself nearly $500.
Also, these calipers have a problem with freezing up so another reason to go aftermarket is the lifetime warranty that many companies offer.

Pull the wheel and see if you can pry the pad back, if it’s not budging on one side it’s probably frozen. Also look to see if the inside pads are wearing faster/slower than the outside pads.

 

[Bossman]

Welcome to the seized/frozen brake caliper club!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/57869-frozen-calipers-how-many-others-had-problem.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/196236-5th-gen-calipers.html

 

[Drummer1]

The caliper pistons freezing up seems to be a common issue on my 4Runner too. I just had my calipers replaced again a few weeks ago for the second time in less than two years. My 4Runner would pull to the left or right when stopping and the steering wheel would shake at higher speeds.

 

[Folsom4Rnr]

Welcome to the seized/frozen brake caliper club!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/57869-frozen-calipers-how-many-others-had-problem.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/196236-5th-gen-calipers.html

I HATE being a member of this club ... hwell:

But I guess I was *lucky* in that my frozen caliper was salvageable...
[MENTION=338]Rayh78[/MENTION] you may want to see if you can *save* your caliper(s) by breaking them down, cleaning and rebuilding them. FWIW that's what I ended up having done for mine that froze. Was slightly less $ than new aftermarkets and lots less $$$ than new OEM.