calipers locked...

hey, i was just wondering how much would it cost to unlock the calipers on a toyota camry v6 1999. also, would it be hard to do it myself, i don't have much knowledge in car repairs so it will be new to me. thanks.

What exactly do you mean by saying the calipers "locked"? Do you mean that the piston is stuck in the bore and won't move?

well thats where i can't say much, i brought my car to a Canadian Tire to get the rear brakes replaced, but was then told that my calipers have seized or locked and that they would have to repair them. they also said if i don't repair them soon i would have to replace them. They pegged the price at $84 Cdn. each side. thats about all i can tell you because thats what i was told. thanks for the reply.

Try somewhere else. That doesn't sound right.

How do your brakes feel when you drive? Do they seem to be working OK in your opinion? Do you smell burning brake pads after you've driven a few miles?

Brakes can have the calipers sticking, but they'd not feel right when you put on the brakes. Also, a misadjusted parking brake or misadjusted rear shoes can cause the rear brakes to not fully disengage. I would think calipers would cost much more than that quoted price. That's only about $70. US. Sounds like they want to change the pads or shoes only.

As suggested by Brian, get a second opinion.

I would go for a second "professional" opinion on the whole thing, just to verify whether or not that kind of problem exists. If the pistons are locked in the bore, then you will have to have that professionally taken care of, because it won't be an easy task for the do-it-yourselfer to accomplish. It would be much easier to remove the caliper and completely replace it rather than trying to remove the damaged piston. But as stated before, get a second opinion from a trusted shop or mechanic and go from there before making any major decisions.

thanks for the replys, when i press the brakes it feels as if the brakes are worn out, it takes abit of time to slow down so i leave plenty of room to stop and when i press the brake hard i get a chug chug feeling on the brake pedal. thats why i brought it in. they said the brake pads where all gone on the rear and that all i have working is my front brakes. i'll go for a second opinion to see whats what. the only thing i fear is i don't know any "trusted mechanics" so i guess i'll have to see what is said and hope theres nothing wrong. thanks again for the replys.

oh i forgot to add, i was told that if i didn't fix this problem i would have buy new calipers which would cost around $240 Cdn. each side and there was also a problem with my emergency brake, i was told it was loose and i needed it to be tightened for $84 Cdn. thanks again.

Also, if you can't think of any "trusted mechanics" in your area, talk to some friends or someone you work with and ask them if they know of any good mechanics in your area...

They are probably right in everything except the lowball price. Their $84 price is for pads alone and there is no way the pads alone are going to fix your problem. You will almost certainly need rotors and possibly a caliper. Make sure the piston is stuck in the cylinder before you spring for a caliper. and no, you don't have to replace the calipers in pairs unless Toyota makes them do that for some reason.

hey, thanks for the replys, i'll take it to another mechanic to see what exactly the problem is. thanks for the advice.