Corolla Front Brake Callipers

[weeleyboy]

My wife's 2002 Corolla D4D has suffered from binding of the front brake callipers - at the last MOT recently they freed up the callipers but said they needed replacing soon and I think we have reached that point as they are very hot after a relatively short run 10/12 miles and the tyres are also warm as I suspect they are struggling with drag from the brakes.

My query is has anyone else had this problem and what is the likely cost of replacement? I suspect the discs and pads may also need replacing.

[oldcodger]

Hi,

There are a couple of things that can cause the 'calipers to stick'

First there are the caliper slider bolts, these often seize after a couple of years.

They can often be cleaned up and relubricated or new 'bolts' puchased from Toyota - sold as a kit of 4 I believe.

Second it could be the Piston thats seizing, again it may be possible to just renew the piston rubbers, though it might be more a problem with the piston or actual caliper body.

You can then renew the whole caliper, expensive, or possibly use one of the caliper refurbish companies.

Third, it may not be a problem with the calipers, a tip from a similar recent post in this forum, it could be the flexible brake hoses, seems they can partially collapse internally, allowing the fluid through when the high pressure of the pedal is applied but it does not allow the fluid to return when the pressure is removed so keeping the brakes on for longer.

If using a garage alway get more than one opinion, full calipers renewal
( normally as a pair to ensure evenness) is very expensive .

Diy is possible but it depends on your abilities; messing with the brakes can be fatal !

[weeleyboy]

From one old codger to another, thank you for a very useful reply