seized caliper under warranty?

tajhudson · 08-12-08, 12:22 PM

I went to change my front brake pads on my 04 LC with 46K miles (due to minor squealing for the last 2 weeks) and noticed the left outside pad was worn completely down to the backing while the inside pad was almost new. I found that I could not budge the 2 outside pistons (too far extended?). With careful prying I was able to move the inside pistons with no problem. The rotor looks ok but I was just starting to get metal on metal with 0% brake lining on the pad.

I had it towed to my local dealer 1 mile away. I originally purchased from them in February with 40K miles on the truck and purchased the 100K bumper to bumper extended warranty. It was a Toyota Certified Vehicle.

If the caliper is seized will it be covered under warranty? If the caliper is OK, then why did the outside pad wear down so quickly? Did this happen in the last 6K miles, or did my dealer (whom I don't trust 100%) overlook this in their 200+ point inspection required as part of the Toyota Certified Vehicle program?

Is this a common problem with LC's? Any ammunition I can use to get it covered under warranty? TSB? recall?

Taj in Santa Barbara, California - 2004 LC with 46K miles

Trunk Monkey · 08-12-08, 05:33 PM

Not a common problem that I know of. The dealer may claim that since you were doing the work yourself that it's not covered (how do they know you didn't screw the caliper up?).

tajhudson · 08-12-08, 05:43 PM

True....I'm hoping there is some evidence of a defective part or history of problems with this caliper.

tajhudson · 08-12-08, 06:06 PM

Conclusion: Caliper is indeed seized.....Toyota is covering the seized caliper ($250) and labor ($175) to replace the caliper but will not pay for the 2 new rotors, 2 sets of pads, and 2 seals or the $275 of labor to put these in. Apparently Toyota has a strict policy that they never cover rotors or pads. Well, I wouldn't need new rotors and pads if the caliper didn't seize!! Total is $611 and I'm providing the Toyota pads that I bought from them 2 days before for $99.

I'm just going to have them fix it for $611 and then see if its worth going to Toyota of North America to see what they say.

Part of me is pissed that they won't cover the entire bill since the seized caliper caused all the damage/problems. Another part of me realizes that I would probably need new rotors and pads eventually anyway. I seem to recall the salesperson telling me that they changed the rotors and pads while conditioning it as a Toyota Certified Vehicle at 40K miles before I bought it. So, my rotors and pads were possibly only 6,000 miles old.

If anybody has any experience or insight in this area, please share.

Taj

ToyotaDon · 08-12-08, 06:51 PM

I would definitely call the Customer Relations Center, they will start a case, then contact the District Service & Parts Manager and Field Technical Specialist. Hopefully those 2 already know of the situation, otherwise the dealer will get their hand slapped. You will likely end up talking to the DSPM, the FTS may want to look at the old parts, then a decision can be made. Make sure you ask for the old parts that are not being covered under warranty. They have to keep the warranty parts for 90 days.

Good luck!

Jim_Chow · 08-13-08, 12:12 AM

Pads and rotors are NEVER covered, as they're considered wear & tear items. If it were a Lexus, it would be covered (the new car lex warranty covers everything short of rock chips in the paint to 50K mi; your mileage may vary w/ a new toyota warranty, but the CPO warranties are very explicit in what they cover. The lexus CPO platinum doesn't cover rotors/pads or the labor to replace them either, but it will cover seized calipers. It would be cheaper to buy the replacement caliper, rotors, and pads from CDan and install them yourself...less than the $611 for sure.

tajhudson · 08-20-08, 05:41 PM

So I made a call into Customer Service and they referred me to Customer Relations at Toyota. To make a long story short, they saw how many Toyotas I've had over the years and decided to pay for the rotors, shims, springs, and seals. They won't pay for the brake pads or the labor. So, now my total is $280 plus the $99 I paid for the brake pads. We're getting closer. I already pushed them to pay for the brake pads....they didn't budge. Not sure if I will pursue further. I'm pretty happy to have saved $330 with 2 phone calls.
Taj