rcsail

My 08 GS went to the Dealer Friday for the Valve Timing (VVT) recall and I tossed em a bone with oil change.. Get home in the service loaner (new ES-not a big deal to me as the Wife has a 2013 ES) and the Service Mgr calls and advises in addition to recall, oil change; I have leaking water pump and "frozen"rear brake calipers. Happy news the water pump is covered under the power train warranty, excepting recommended replacement of the belt at $60. Parts and labor for the rear brakes clock in at $1200. I say no do on the brakes.
Today I got the rear calipers off. Not too bad job to remove the calipers-certainly worth $1200!. The caliper slides against the mounting bracket with a bolt and pin (big pin). The pin was rusted frozen on both calipers. The bolt holding the mounting bracket was easily removed. Some ingenuity and work I was able to loosen the pin and that end of the mounting bracket. I think with some emery cloth on the pin and good lube job the calipers will be back in good form. The pistons appeared in good shape and easily moved within the caliper. Rear calipers were about $225 from Sewall and $125 for mid cost from other suppliers. Interesting there was a recall on rear calipers for 06-07 GS which appear as same issue. You may want to include a routine service of your calipers every couple years to clean an re-lube the bolt and pin in the assembly. Not sure at this time if the front calipers are a similar assembly. Rather disappointing as our past Lexi's were driven for 10 years and 160Kmiles with only routine maintenance.

My 2 cents for you!