LS - 4th Gen (2007-2017) Discussion topics related to the current flagship models LS460, LS460L and LS600H

Stuck caliper

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Old 02-26-18, 04:47 PM
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dgmorr
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Default Stuck caliper

Started to notice my driver front caliper is sticking, not very much but it's noticeable under heavier braking. Is this a common issue on this car, or more-so in the rust belt?

Ordered a reman to diy in a few days. It's almost a yearly maintenance item on my 4runner.
Old 02-26-18, 05:18 PM
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Nospinzone
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I haven't heard of it on this car. I had a 1995 Infiniti Q45a for 16 years and the right front caliper had to be replaced twice because it was sticking. I could never figure out why just that one was sticking. Although heavy braking freed it, it was light braking that sometimes lead to sticking.
Old 02-26-18, 06:47 PM
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roadfrog
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I'm starting to notice what I think MIGHT be a sticking driver front side caliper. When I let off the brake at a stop light (or whatever), there's a noticeable thump. More noticeable when i'ts cold.
Old 02-26-18, 07:15 PM
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Hmm, it's funny you mention it, been getting some strange sounds coming out of the driver's side front while braking. Going to put it up in the air tomorrow and take a look.
Old 02-26-18, 09:06 PM
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sha4000
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Do you guys ever flush the brake fluid?
Old 02-26-18, 09:09 PM
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roadfrog
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Originally Posted by Doublebase
Hmm, it's funny you mention it, been getting some strange sounds coming out of the driver's side front while braking. Going to put it up in the air tomorrow and take a look.

Let us know what ya find. I have an appt tomorrow at the Toyota dealer. Im gonna get them to have a look.

Do you guys ever flush the brake fluid

.
Yep. As per maintenance schedule
Old 02-27-18, 08:50 AM
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This is a problem that any car can have, so by asking if a specific model has this issue the answer is certainly yes. As mentioned brake fluid should be changed every 2-3 yrs based on time, not mileage. Second, depending on your climate, driving characteristics and overall age the calipers can have deteriorated rubber seals and a general buildup of debris/gunk. Ideally you'd want to remove the caliper, take it apart and inspect the rubber seals, replacing if necessary. Then clean everything thoroughly with brake cleaner, especially moving parts and then apply a heat resistant lubrication (usually brake caliper grease)-including the backs of the pads. If you don't want to completely remove the caliper you can do a halfway job by removing the wheel and spraying the caliper with air (wear a face mask) and then spray the entire caliper very well with brake parts cleaner. This may alleviate some of the issue but the correct procedure is to remove them for a more thorough cleaning/lube.
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Old 02-27-18, 12:32 PM
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Doublebase
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Well found my problem, the rearward facing upper control arm is junk. It's not the bushing part of the arm, but rather the ball socket has some play in it where it attaches to the steering knuckle.

I'll repalce it tomorrow, have an arm on order for $50. I replaced the sway bar links while I was in there today.

Kind of bummed it's the control arm because it was one of the arms I replaced a few years ago (60,000 miles ago). But in all honestly I'll take it, to use a genuine OE Lexus control arm would have cost me $300. So I'll replace this one in ten minutes and it'll cost me another $50 (I payed $50 the first time). So $100 bucks, 60,000 miles of driving and three years. If this arm lasts 60,000 and another three years I'm cool with that.
Old 03-01-18, 05:02 PM
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dgmorr
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Originally Posted by PwrdbyM
This is a problem that any car can have, so by asking if a specific model has this issue the answer is certainly yes. .
Some models are more prone than others due to design flaws - 4th gen 4Runners.


Anyway, I had to replace brake pads tonight so had a chance to look further. 3 of 4 piston boots are torn on the driver front caliper, so i'll have to change that one regardless. I suspect the passenger side is the one sticking though. I'll post the result in a couple weeks.
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