Replacing Caliper Questions

[cutelilcntrygrl]

How much does it usually cost to replace one caliper and what else needs to be replaced? My mechanic said I have a bad caliper and that my brakes would need to be replaced again after the caliper was replaced. But the brakes are still good, is what he said. True or not? I just had new brakes and pads put on in March and they are still kinda squishy. And when I stop, they make this clicking sound. So I'm also thinking I had a bad brake job, especially since they are still soo squishy. Thoughts/comments? I know he's not pulling my leg about the caliper being bad because we've checked it out ourselves. I just want to know if he is trying to rip me off by saying I need to buy new brakes while replacing the caliper or if it isn't needed. Oh and how much money will this run me?

Thanks in advance.

[cutelilcntrygrl]

Anybody?

Dunno about the cost to replace, but that is all they need to replace is the caliper. If you just had your pads put on in March, I don't see why he needs to replace them either. If he was changing the rotors, then yes change the pads.

But all he's replacing is the caliper. That's it. If the brakes are squishy, it may be due to air in the brake lines. Bleeding the brakes will fix that, which will have to be done after replacing the caliper.

[cutelilcntrygrl]

Oh yeah... thanks for mentioning the rotors. Those have to be replaced too. I forgot about that

Thanks Grouch

[mdodge]

You said when you stop you hear a clicking sound? I remember on my calipers on my alero i had to get the pistons relubed. It also helped my braking. I would mention that first, since that is all it may be, rather than buying a whole new caliper.

yeah, if he's replacing the rotors it's a good idea to go with new pads. The old pads will have the grooves and junk imprinted on them from the old rotors. Using those on new rotors could damage them and/or reduce the braking efficiency. New rotors-new pads.

[cutelilcntrygrl]

Well Mike you can listen to it this weekend and tell me what ya think..

How can u tell if your calipers are bad? My car makes a cracking sound when on the brakes and when driving at a slow speed you can hear this swooshing like sound or something coming from the front end. Could this be the calipers

[MCKALERO03]

Check out this TSB, I think this is the noise you guys are describing, mine do it too.

Brake Noise/Creak During Slow Speed Braking (Lubricate Brake Caliper)
1999-2003 Chevrolet Malibu

2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic

1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero

1999-2004 Pontiac Grand Am

Condition
Some customers may comment on a creak type noise occurring when applying the brakes. It is usually heard only during slow speed brake maneuvers. If this condition exists, it should be able to be duplicated when the vehicle is not moving by depressing the brake and listening for the noise from the wheel-well/caliper area.

Cause
This condition may be caused by a caliper piston to seal interface issue during brake apply. If the caliper is removed and the piston is pushed back, the noise may be eliminated. This is usually only a temporary fix.

Correction
DO NOT REPLACE CALIPER.

To repair this condition, lubricate the entire circumference of the seal at the caliper piston interface using Kluber Fluid and the following procedure:

Remove the wheel and reinstall two lug nuts. This will hold the rotor to the bearing surface so debris does not fall between the surfaces and cause lateral runout (LRO).
Remove the bottom bolt from the caliper assembly without disturbing the hydraulic system.



Swing the caliper assembly up so the caliper assembly is facing upward.
Thoroughly clean the piston boot with GM approved Brake Clean. Pay particular attention to the area where the boot interfaces with the piston.
Using compressed air, dry the piston/boot area.



Remove the cap from the tip of the bottle and carefully insert the tip, P/N 89022161, between the boot and piston, inward of the piston boot groove.
From the top side of the piston (reference diagram), inject the lubricant. With the caliper in the tilted position, the lubricant will flow down and work its way around the entire circumference of the seal. Let the caliper body assembly remain in this position for a minimum of 2 minutes to allow for the fluid to completely work its way around the seal.
Push the piston into the seal to ensure the lubricant is on both the piston and seal surface.

Important
Excessive fluid could appear as a failure and lead to a comeback. To prevent unnecessary future repairs, it is important to only use one bottle per side and make sure excess fluid is wiped away.


Wipe away any excessive fluid.
Reassemble the caliper to the vehicle. Tighten
Tighten the caliper bolts to 31N·m(23 lb ft).

Repeat steps 1- 9 on the opposite side of the vehicle, if necessary.
Pump the brake pedal to push the caliper piston back into place.
Reinstall the wheel and test drive the vehicle to verify repair.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description

89022161
Service Kit -- Kluber Fluid



Important
The service kit will consist of a "one--time use only" bottle which will service one caliper.


Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

H9702
Brake Caliper -- Lubricate (One Side)
0.3 hr

H9703
Brake Caliper -- Lubricate (Both Sides)
0.6 hr




GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

[cutelilcntrygrl]

^ Thanks for the info. Yeah I forgot to mention that I hear the same noise when sitting still and pressing on the brakes. Time to get it fixed I guess. Thanks again.