Replacement Calipers
#1
Replacement Calipers
I have a 1998 Jeep Wrangler. I had both front calipers replaced 19 months ago. Yesterday my brakes totally seized making the car undrivable. I brought it back to the repair shop that I took it to for this last brake job and was told that I again needed new calipers. Inquiring about how long the replacement calipers were warranteed from my last brake job - I was told 24 months or 24,000 miles (apparently I'd driven 27,000 miles since then).
From what I understand - calipers rarely need replacement and certainly not twice within 19 months. Can anyone enlighten me as to whether I'm getting ripped off (oversold?) or if there is a legitimate way these calipers could be shot after only 19 months?
Thanks,
Ian
From what I understand - calipers rarely need replacement and certainly not twice within 19 months. Can anyone enlighten me as to whether I'm getting ripped off (oversold?) or if there is a legitimate way these calipers could be shot after only 19 months?
Thanks,
Ian
#3
junk in hoses
I don't suppose I could easily inspect the hoses for junk?
Obviously there is something wrong with this shop - either they sold me defective parts or did defective work the last time or they replaced the calipers this time when they didn't really need replacing. I wouldn't have even gone back there this time - except for the fact that my last brake job was so recent, I thought they might do something for me (like fix for free or at least not charge me for labor).
I'd like to 'check their work' - what should I look for? The car seems to brake fine now (although it feels a bit like I need a wheel balance, which the same shop did for me 3000 miles ago).
Maybe I should take it to another shop to be checked out. Is there a resource for finding a good repair shop (I need an honest mechanic)? I'm actually not far from NYC but I'd prefer someone close so I can drop a vehicle off and pick it up without too much hassle.
Thanks!
Ian
Obviously there is something wrong with this shop - either they sold me defective parts or did defective work the last time or they replaced the calipers this time when they didn't really need replacing. I wouldn't have even gone back there this time - except for the fact that my last brake job was so recent, I thought they might do something for me (like fix for free or at least not charge me for labor).
I'd like to 'check their work' - what should I look for? The car seems to brake fine now (although it feels a bit like I need a wheel balance, which the same shop did for me 3000 miles ago).
Maybe I should take it to another shop to be checked out. Is there a resource for finding a good repair shop (I need an honest mechanic)? I'm actually not far from NYC but I'd prefer someone close so I can drop a vehicle off and pick it up without too much hassle.
Thanks!
Ian
#4
A 5 year old vehicle that has worn out TWO sets of calipers? Not likely. My wife's '95 Camry with 140k miles still has original calipers (and rotors). And my '94 Chevy W4 wrecker only recently needed calipers replaced (325,000 miles).
At the very least I would suspect you were oversold the first time.
At the very least I would suspect you were oversold the first time.
#5
Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Colorado
Posts: 422
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
I have a 72 Pontiac and a 77 Dodge with the original calipers! I would find a new shop. Sometimes your local Radio or TV stations can recommend repair shops. One does here in Denver.
#6
It depends on what was actually wrong, tough to say if you were "oversold" or not.
Check alldata.com for any known bulletins or troubles on the brakes on this Jeep.
Barring that, you really cannot tell much by looking at the hoses as they rot from the inside out.
Change them and be done with them.
Check alldata.com for any known bulletins or troubles on the brakes on this Jeep.
Barring that, you really cannot tell much by looking at the hoses as they rot from the inside out.
Change them and be done with them.
#7
I'll repeat my advice on finding a good shop:
Call two or three independent towing companies and ask for a referral. Trust me, they know who the good ones are; pick one that is recommended by more than one source, if possible. Just make sure that they are truly independent and have no connection to a specific local garage. I would also avoid asking companies with AAA affilliation [I'll explain that if necessary].
Call two or three independent towing companies and ask for a referral. Trust me, they know who the good ones are; pick one that is recommended by more than one source, if possible. Just make sure that they are truly independent and have no connection to a specific local garage. I would also avoid asking companies with AAA affilliation [I'll explain that if necessary].
#8
Oh, one other thing to avoid: Don't rely on advice in the business section of your local paper; often these are "paid" stories. This is not to say they may not be a good garage, but I would want confirmation from a second, unbiased source.