Good point.
Frozen Calipers - How many others had this problem?
- Thread starter ssheftel
- Start date
Good point.
JacksonRally
New member
Picked up a 2006 4Runner a few weeks ago. Dealer (GMC) put on new pads all around and Im guessing at least turned the rotors. This is my first 4Runner and for the life of me I could not put my finger on this sensation of "brakes dragging" or excessive engine braking when off throttle. It would come and go. As of now it is at a Toyota dealer getting the 4lo actuator replaces (warranty :dance
So when I get it back Ill have to check out the calipers. Glad I found this thread, not so glad that it seems to be a common issue.
So when I get it back Ill have to check out the calipers. Glad I found this thread, not so glad that it seems to be a common issue.The front left caliper on my 03 was frozen, and yes on the highway around 60mph the steering wheel would shake really bad.
stuffman8
New member
Just finished changing my 2 front calipers at 120K miles on what looks to be original calipers. I bought it used at 89K about 1.5 years ago.
The driver side caliper bolts was easily removed but the passagener side was stuck. I hit it with mapp gas for a few minutes but that did not even work. On the second day, I turned the wheel and put a breaker bar on it with a 4 foot gas pipe extension - the caliper bolt broke loose very quickly.
After looking around, I went with Autozone 13WH and Autozone ceramic pads. Overall, it think it was the best deal. I painted the calipers before installing, I hope it will help keep the rust down.
The old pad was nearly worn down due to the frozen calipers. Like everyone had been saying it is the inner lower pistion that froze on both. Overall, I am still happy with my 4runner. I use to have 2 GM trucks before this and they were the worst in maintenace. When there was a problem it was always a mobility kill.
The driver side caliper bolts was easily removed but the passagener side was stuck. I hit it with mapp gas for a few minutes but that did not even work. On the second day, I turned the wheel and put a breaker bar on it with a 4 foot gas pipe extension - the caliper bolt broke loose very quickly.
After looking around, I went with Autozone 13WH and Autozone ceramic pads. Overall, it think it was the best deal. I painted the calipers before installing, I hope it will help keep the rust down.
The old pad was nearly worn down due to the frozen calipers. Like everyone had been saying it is the inner lower pistion that froze on both. Overall, I am still happy with my 4runner. I use to have 2 GM trucks before this and they were the worst in maintenace. When there was a problem it was always a mobility kill.
Silvr Bullet
New member
I've got my truck in the shop right now replacing my front calipers for the second time. I had to replace them at about 80k and now again at 99k. Luckily my aftermarket warranty has covered the repair both times, but this is annoying. Do the sport calipers seem to freeze more than the others or is this just sporadic through all models? Toyota needs to fix this!
subspd
New member
Yep, both front calipers frozen, rotors were too thin to turn and pads for good measure. $900 with labor. With 130k on the originals. I went with Napa parts by the way. Toyota wanted WAY more money...
I am very disappointed in Toyota. This is one of the biggest repair bills I have EVER had on a Toyota and I have owned 2 trucks and 2 Land Cruisers before this.
I am very disappointed in Toyota. This is one of the biggest repair bills I have EVER had on a Toyota and I have owned 2 trucks and 2 Land Cruisers before this.
Dylan
Member
So you had the dealer install the new calipers, rotors, and pads?
subspd
New member
Nope. Thats a local shop. Toyota here wanted even more for labor. Total was exactly $864. Thats parts and labor.
Stupid high. Toyota quoted over $1k. Yes this is JUST for the fronts...
I would change pads and rotors but bleeding the brakes has not historically gone well for me so I decided to pay the labor and have the warranty for the next 12k miles.
chethro
New member
Did both front rotors/calipers due to stuck calipers last week. Both rears were done 3weeks ago due to just a burning smell. No stuck calipers on the rear and now the burning smell is back. It seems like the rears are doing too much of the work. The fronts barely get warm and the rear rotors are much hotter. Maybe that's normal.
guardsred944s
New member
This happened to me. Front Passenger.
toyo
Member
Not only did my fronts go out but my drivers front is getting too much pressure sent to the caliper. The pads are not releasing like they are supposed to. It causes a squeak at low speeds. All the hardware is new and installed correctly. Replaced the caliper under warranty twice so I know it's not the actual caliper. What fun!
JB40
New member
Quoting and old post but couldn't find a thread on this. Lots of people talking about it but I couldn't hit the thread.
Anyway, was a direct swap, no shimming, relocation needed?
earthrealm
Senior Member
direct swap..if u hv 17 inch wheels...just bent the backing plate back a little...........finito!
I agree that the Calipers do not fall into Toyota's best designs. If you do it yourself the cost is minimal - so I haven't complained too much about it. I also have life-time warranty calipers that I've had to use twice..so the cost is real low. I've only replaced the rotors once. I can buy set of front pads by Wagner for about $60. So each time I replace the calipers it just costs me $60 plus my time.
Greydog
Member
Anyone know which of the Altrom/Nuegon or the Total Eclipse calipers from NAPA are better?
Both versions pics show piston boot retainer clips....
Though there is no warranty details listed for the Altrom/Nugeon, though they are more expensive, but I'm guessing there is some sort of warranty?
Thanks.
Both versions pics show piston boot retainer clips....
Though there is no warranty details listed for the Altrom/Nugeon, though they are more expensive, but I'm guessing there is some sort of warranty?
Thanks.
ArthrusRunner
New member
Hi, add me to the list. I have an '06 4WD SR5 with 93k miles. I had symptoms of a warped rotor (pulsations, especially under heavy braking) so I pulled apart the front brakes and found the driver side lower inside piston frozen. Passenger side was in great shape, I think it must have been replaced previously. I replaced the caliper with the rebuilt Total Eclipse from NAPA and installed Toyota pads. Total cost was less than $200. I'm going to hold onto the receipt and see how long the caliper lasts. Truck brakes smoothly now, tho I'm hoping I don't regret not changing out the passenger side too.
I live in Seattle (no snow, but lots of rain) and I flush the brake fluid every 30k. Looking through the tread, sounds like greasing the pins is something I should add to the list as well as do an annual flush.
I live in Seattle (no snow, but lots of rain) and I flush the brake fluid every 30k. Looking through the tread, sounds like greasing the pins is something I should add to the list as well as do an annual flush.
jacal
New member
Frozen up at 170,000 ish km. Probably sooner as I notice my mpgs have been bad.
Freed it up at first, but it seized again soon after. I have a reman caliper ready to be installed this evening if all goes well.
Hoping I don't have to bleed all breaks... tbd. Not familiar with that process, I hope I can find it in the service manuals?
JG
Freed it up at first, but it seized again soon after. I have a reman caliper ready to be installed this evening if all goes well.
Hoping I don't have to bleed all breaks... tbd. Not familiar with that process, I hope I can find it in the service manuals?
JG
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