Brakes out after less than 2 years?

[amheck]

I needed new brakes in Dec 2017 and did a DIY job with the help of my uncle. We replaced the calipers, rotors and pads in the front of my 2004 4Runner Limited.

Fast forward to a week or two ago, we got back from vacation and the truck had sat for 2.5 weeks. Ever since then, the truck has sometimes had a very bad vibration and shaking. Sometimes its there, sometimes its not. However, a few times on the interstate, I was a bit concerned with how bad everything was shaking. It was almost a bit scary.

So this past weekend the truck needed an oil change and tire rotation anyway, so I took it to the dealer, as usual, and mentioned the problem. After the $59.99 diagnostic fee, they told me the front caliper was frozen and the right one was also about to go.

I bought PowerStop equipment from Rock Auto, which I thought was half decent. Does this under 2 year time frame seem oddly short, or is that reasonable?

 

[hinmo24t]

not to scare you but im pretty sure the brakes are a weaker point on these rigs. i have owned my truck for less than 1 year and have had to replace 2 calipers (one front, one rear) front rotors and pads, etc.

id be happy to not have to do anything to my brakes for 2 years

 

[amheck]

Really, yeah, wow....I'd have to look back at my service records but thought it was def much longer than that.

I guess this is a case where you almost have to learn to DIY them. As the cost is pretty substantial to have the dealer do it. I'm calling around to get some more quotes now.

 

[USMCEngineer]

Sticky caliper

Seized caliper pistons are very common on these trucks, and even very common on the 5th Gens since the design is very similar. There are a lot of threads out there on reasons why, and how to prevent future seizes.

Seems like most of the aftermarket calipers will last 2 years tops. I decided to opt for OEM calipers which are a little more, but the originals lasted quite a long time so I decided to go for it. So far no issues, but it's been less than a year so doesn't say much.

Some people report fewer issues by upgrading to 5th gen brakes. If you do this you have to change rotors and pads as well. I had already purchased new 4th gen rotors and pads and that's why I stuck with the 4th Gen design. 5th Gen is slightly bigger than the 4th Gen Sport/Limited brakes. I have the sport so it wasn't much of an upgrade.

I bought the calipers from Boch Toyota South, they usually have the best prices. They are on the east coast though so it takes a little longer for me to get their parts.

 

[hinmo24t]

Seized caliper pistons are very common on these trucks, and even very common on the 5th Gens since the design is very similar. There are a lot of threads out there on reasons why, and how to prevent future seizes.

Seems like most of the aftermarket calipers will last 2 years tops. I decided to opt for OEM calipers which are a little more, but the originals lasted quite a long time so I decided to go for it. So far no issues, but it's been less than a year so doesn't say much.

Some people report fewer issues by upgrading to 5th gen brakes. If you do this you have to change rotors and pads as well. I had already purchased new 4th gen rotors and pads and that's why I stuck with the 4th Gen design. 5th Gen is slightly bigger than the 4th Gen Sport/Limited brakes. I have the sport so it wasn't much of an upgrade.

I bought the calipers from Boch Toyota South, they usually have the best prices. They are on the east coast though so it takes a little longer for me to get their parts.

Boch huh? thought it was just a northeast thing, ernie boch jr is from MA and holds it down out here w a pretty good reputation.

 

[Hunter.Cribb]

I Just had mine replaced again after only 2 years and 16,000 miles.

 

[Piggity]

I had to replace one of my fronts a couple months back. I had replaced my 4th Gen Limited front brakes with 5th Gen fronts, and one of the calipers was seized after just two years and like 10,000 km's. I was pretty pissed off when that happened, luckily the rotor and pads were still good and I just needed a new remanned caliper for about $250 CAD.

 

[vastano]

Yep, my reman'd centric calipers from RockAuto lasted 2 years.

Get some from Advance/O'reillys/Auto Zone that have a lifetime warranty, this way you only need to buy them 1 more time.

 

[Keros]

I had to replace Centric calipers after 1 year (5th gen "upgrade")

0/10 would not do again.

 

[Mike07SE]

I had to replace my "upgraded" 5th Gen Power Stop performance brake calipers as well. This was going on my third round of calipers. Last go around I went with Wilwood's. So far so good.

 

[Captsolo]

I had to replace one of my fronts a couple months back. I had replaced my 4th Gen Limited front brakes with 5th Gen fronts, and one of the calipers was seized after just two years and like 10,000 km's. I was pretty pissed off when that happened, luckily the rotor and pads were still good and I just needed a new remanned caliper for about $250 CAD.

Change and add all new brake fluid and bleed in new. I've had caliper seize. Mechanic replaced 1 side. rebuilt the other. Brakes have been great for 1 year so far.

Calibers are cheap at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/MAYASAF-Cali...5------------&vehicleName=2003+Toyota+4Runner :closed_2::closed_2:

I have 2005 SR5 with 145,000 miles. All short trips of about 5 miles - as I live in the Bahamas.