Certified Toyota dealership mechanics: when a brake caliper pin is seized, what do you do?

2012 Rock Warrior

On a front brake caliper one of the pins was seized, I tried to tap it out and it mushroomed (supposedly, haven’t been back in it yet). At that point I noticed the back side of the rotor was no good and I didn’t have the time to fix it myself, so I dropped it off at a dealership. I know how to get the pin out, but I was told it couldn’t be done and I should replace the calipers for $950. Told em to put it back together. Is that protocol or an incompetent mechanic? Thank you!

 

I imagine you don't have any pictures. That doesn't sound right though...just my $0.02.

 

I had the same issue with my brake, the two slide pins like to corrode and seize into the caliper. That was easily repairable after you apply some heat and just cut it out or drill it if you need to, then replace the pins. My issues were that, AND the piston on the caliper itself seized. I bought another caliper off Napa, it's like $70...where the fuck did $950 come from, take it back and do it yourself.

 

I will have pictures tomorrow when I do it myself. Toyota of Marysville, Washington. The service lady called and said the pistons were seized, I said no they are not, otherwise I wouldn’t be driving it. Then she called back and said the mechanic was able to use two big pry bars to get the pistons to recede, fairly normal from the brakes I’ve done in the past. Then she said the calipers were extremely rusty and weren’t safe, I said I just had it in my hand, no they are not. Then she said the pin was mushroomed because someone tried to pound it out. I said that was me, I brought it to you guys to fix. She said the pin could not be removed and I need a new set of calipers for $950. I said put it back together and I’ll do it myself, even though I am in the process of moving after a breakup and have been a bit stressed lately.

 

I’m lost at $950 for calipers!!! WHATTT?

 

$114.00 for a caliper at Orielly Checker. Now you have $836 left over for some mods.

 

I left a poor review on Google right after, got a text today asking me to call or text so they can do anything in their power to gain my complete satisfaction They tried to over charge me by $48, said it was a parts disposal fee they forgot to take off, and the dbag still over charged me by $15, had to point that one out too. Oh ya, $130 for an hour of shop time to tell me what I already knew.

We’ll see...

 

They get paid on commission..

 

I believe $130 is the going rate at my Toyota dealership also.

 

If it were me i would use a cutoff wheel and cut the inside portion of the pin out flush with the caliper body and with a punch and hammer. You knock them out backwards.
Its not rocket science.
I always get them out. New pins with neverseieze. Job done!

 

I just buy loaded calipers. It's easier to bleed the system than deal with those pins. Never seize on the new pins and you're good to go. I would replace the rotors too and just be done with it. If it takes you an hour I'd be surprised. I guess if you bought all new Toyota branded parts it might cost $950 but for good stock aftermarket stuff off the internet I bet you can do it for less than $200.

 

Fixing it myself is not the issue, I am fairly mechanical. I took it to a dealership cause I was stressed the F out and knew they’d have a rental car so I could get to work. They treated me like shit, and I called em’ out on their BS. We’ll see what they say on Monday.

 

Just got my condenser fixed under warranty. They charge 1400 for the part. You can buy it at the spark parts for 250 on the high end. The labor supplies etc 2700 total

 

That sucks but a brake job sounds like a real good way to get your mind off that jazz and get yourself together.

 

Quality aftermarket and be done with it. Unless they come way down from 950, but idk if dealerships will work with you that much