Alexia56

I just took my for RX 330 with 139000 miles for a summer check up before going on a trip. needed an oil change and a light bulb changed and I asked the mechanic to check it over. He then called me and said that one of the rear brakes was not working at all and that it would need the caliper, rotor, pads, etc. He said the sister brake wasn't in as bad of shape, it was working, but that the work should be done in tandem. I gasped at the estimate about $700 for parts and labor.
Questions: Do I need to have both sides replaced completely, all parts?
When I priced the parts, I noticed that JC Whitney offers a $63 rebate on calipers when you send the old one back. Should I keep the part and send it back in for the rebate? I might have to check with them but am wondering if anyone has done this.

bgalarpe

The only parts in tandem you need replacing are the break pads since you get them in pairs and maybe the hardware depending on condition. As for the caliper just replace the bad side and the rotor that was on the failed caliper, unless the other rotor need resurfacing or is too thin to resurface then replace both.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

I have done caliper replacements on older Toyota's. While it is good practice to change it in pairs, you really don't have to, and it is more important to address the weak or seized caliper over stressing about both. I personally would only go OEM or OEM rebuilt for calipers, was never happy with aftermarkets unless we were going up to a better setup like a six piston Brembo or Wilwood. I'd definitely send in my calipers if is saves me money, the dead one will be no good to you unless you rebuild it, putting it back as is would not be advised.

But, brake pads should always be changed as dual sets so 2 pads for each side (4 pads total) and rotors if they are warped to the point you cannot resurface them. Hardware should only be replaced as necessary such as damage or heavy rust.

If $700 is for both sides using OEM parts with both pads and rotors being replaced, I'd say that is a very fair price, if not, then shop around you can snag OEM parts for cheap if you search hard enough.

Alexia56