Leaky Caliper

[manp0899]

I went in for an oil change at Firestone and they told me that my caliper is soaked with fluid, in the front driver side, I declined to get it changed because it probably is a slow leak and I have some time. I had the caliper changed this past July. I actually had the NAPA 13WH caliper in for the past 3 years now and this is the 2nd NAPA caliper that I am going through. NAPA did not honor the first warranty, hopefully, they will honor it this time, if needed.

Has anyone else had a leaky caliper? Does it require it to be replaced or is this something I can monitor? Any tips on how to handle it? If I do need to get the caliper replaced any advice on how to ensure getting the warranty? Should I replace the brake lines as well?

 

[dgmorr]

I would never drive more than a couple miles on a leaking brake system. I wouldn't say this is something that should be monitored. Windshield washer fluid level warning light is something that you can monitor.

Find out what is leaking and replace it. No idea how warranty works, 3 years for a caliper on the 4runner is pretty good.

 

[manp0899]

Yea I'm planning on getting it replaced today.

The caliper was changed for the 3rd time in 3 years. First was OEM, which lasted years, then 2 Napa in 3 years.

 

[fourwd1]

Flush the brake system completely and they won't seize up as much.

 

[lightfreak]

I used the NASTRA calipers from Rock Auto last time and they lasted 3 years , 75,000KM before the driver's side caliper froze back up. The right caliper is still going strong.

Left and Right for 319mm size rotor
More Information for NASTRA 126216
More Information for NASTRA 126217


I've run for months on a leaky caliper before, it was a very slow leak, a drop or 2 a day. What happens when the brake fluid reservoir gets low is your Parking Brake light on the dash will flicker. So you'll have plenty warning before the system goes bone dry. I just kept a bottle of brake fluid in the car for top-ups. Getting it fixed asap is the smart choice, but we don't always have the luxury of getting things fixed right away.

I would also look at replacing the short metal flex hoses that connects to the caliper. These things will corrode and seize. They are $9 per side from Toyota dealers here in Canada.

 

[DisguisedRope]

NAPA did not honor the first warranty, hopefully, they will honor it this time, if needed.

Why didn't they honor the warranty the first time?