PSA: Don't buy Autozone Reman Brake Calipers

[blackfc3s]

Back in 2014 I had two frozen front brake calipers and got remans from Autozone. Those lasted 3 years and then suffered from the same corrosion that did in my original OEM front calipers.

Fast forward to this weekend - went to autozone and used the life time warranty. Before I put the calipers on the truck, I wanted to pop off the pistons and inspect them to make sure that they weren't fubared. Low and behold, the new remans didnt have any grease and the brake pistons were scratched on the side (i could actually feel the scratch with my finger nail). I didnt take any pictures as I was in a hurry, but I was definitely pissed. I had some Toyota red rubber grease and greased them heavily before I installed them on the truck.

Moral of the story is that you shouldn't buy remans from autozone. Rebuild your OEM ones and get new pistons if the side wall is scratched. It actually costs less than a reman at autozone if you are mechanically savvy.

I'll be hunting for an original set from the junkyard here to rebuild.

 

[wcjeep]

On non Toyota vehicle the cost of rebuild vs reman was $5 last I looked. If reman lasted as long as factory I'd call the first set of reman a win.

I prefer Napa for parts. Usually a little more money. My time is more important than saving a few bucks. Also check Rockauto.

 

[Legender]

In my personal experience/frustration with Autozone parts... I don't even by paper towels from them anymore. I'm sure others have had good experiences. I've not. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[djkurious]

I never buy anything that has rubber on it from Autozone/Advance UNLESS its a Moog part.

 

[ajordan1975]

I haven't shopped at an Auto Zone in years. Only thing i buy from them is oil, and light bulbs.

 

[kingofthehill]

I only buy OEM parts or Better. Only things Ill buy at Autopart store are Car wash, wax, oil, and Sparkplugs (NGK only).

 

[Iluvboost]

I only buy OEM parts or Better. Only things Ill buy at Autopart store are Car wash, wax, oil, and Sparkplugs (NGK only).

Pretty much all rebuilt calipers come from the same place regardless. The ones I bought at autozone came with new pistons.

 

[crossfire190]

I agree that the Autozone calipers were junk. The fronts were replaced with NAPA's and several years later. I replaced the rears with AutoZone calipers. The fronts are still going strong. The rears, after one year or so, had to be replaced again. I didn't bother with the warranty. I went to NAPA and got the rears.

The AutoZone calipers had no paint or finish on them. The NAPA calipers are painted black. I am not sure if that makes any difference with the longevity of the piston/caliper... but overall it seems to be a much better part.

 

[blackfc3s]

I guess I’m not surprised by all this. In the end - you get what you pay for.

I found some 13wh junk yard calipers that I’m going to r &r herbsoon. There are detailed write ups on the process already on here but one more couldn’t hurt.

 

[iBison]

When I had my 04 and a caliper froze I replaced them with gen 5. End of my problems.

 

[Bumbo]

If you are going to shop at Autozone... you better get in the zone, Autozone.

 

[theoutbackdream]

Well duh... You only go to Vatozone if you're looking for a hoodscoop or muffler tips for your 90's Honda.

 

[Bumbo]

Well duh... You only go to Vatozone if you're looking for a hoodscoop or muffler tips for your 90's Honda.

Vatozone... odelay holmes... many people in my barrio call it the same.

That said, I like to shop there and give them some business. It sure it convenient having them around because when you are in the middle of a project and need something, 2 days from Amazon can seem like forever.

I even have a gift card from some returns in my wallet.

Get in the zone esse.

 

[theoutbackdream]

Vatozone... odelay holmes... many people in my barrio call it the same.

That said, I like to shop there and give them some business. It sure it convenient having them around because when you are in the middle of a project and need something, 2 days from Amazon can seem like forever.

I even have a gift card from some returns in my wallet.

Get in the zone esse.

Definitely agree. Autozone has all the rentals you need. Only thing that sucks is that it's across town for me, and ORiley's is closer and has 95% of what I need.

 

[Bumbo]

Most these Autoparts stores are all the same to me anyways...

For me it just so happens to be Autozone, but I have also shopped at ORiley's, Pepboys, or whatever else is around.

+1 on the tool rentals, or the free tool borrowing thing they have in place. I didn't even know until a friend told me, but for the DIY guy who only needs to use a specialty tool on occasion... lots of value there.