Brake imbalance

monseiur

Hi all
Just looking for advise, my 1998 Land Cruiser failed CVRT re test due to front brake imbalance. New pads were fitted and done roughly 200 miles to bed in prior to test.
Do I need new calipers (cost €140 each) or would a repair kit do.
Discs seem in good condition. What else would cause brake imbalance ?
My mechanic is down with the flue at the moment so I plan to get all the parts required in the meantime.
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks.

w211

These calipers does not cost such a price, only 70eur each (need the vin number for verification).
That type of caliper pistons can easily seize. Just remove the pistons and check the condition.
Any caliper repair parts are available.

Alanstrainor

You need to properly diagnose the problem before you buy any parts. Have you identified which side is under performing? I would think this is obvious from the report sheet? If so then just do a visual inspection of the caliper and see what you find and take it from there.

w211

Alanstrainor wrote: »

You need to properly diagnose the problem before you buy any parts. Have you identified which side is under performing? I would think this is obvious from the report sheet? If so then just do a visual inspection of the caliper and see what you find and take it from there.

Do not mess with one side, do both

Alanstrainor

w211 wrote: »

Do not mess with one side, do both

All I said was to investigate further.

Hellrazer

It could be the brake regulator valve.
Another issue on the Land cruisers is the 2 pins that hold the pads into the caliper.
they rust quite badly-just surface rust usually and you would think the caliper is seized when you can just remove the 2 pins and clean them on a wire wheel-refit them and that can also solve an imbalance.

w211

Hellrazer wrote: »

It could be the brake regulator valve.
Another issue on the Land cruisers is the 2 pins that hold the pads into the caliper.
they rust quite badly-just surface rust usually and you would think the caliper is seized when you can just remove the 2 pins and clean them on a wire wheel-refit them and that can also solve an imbalance.

These pins and springs are designed to replace every single time. Cost only about 5eur set (front axle). Most of the times the mechanics and car owners cut the cost and use the old ones. The best brake pad set have all hardware included

monseiur

w211 wrote: »

These pins and springs are designed to replace every single time. Cost only about 5eur set (front axle). Most of the times the mechanics and car owners cut the cost and use the old ones. The best brake pad set have all hardware included

Thanks all for your advice, will wait for my mechanics advice.

In relation to brake pads having all pins etc. included I have just fitted front and rear Toyota brake pads and there was no. hardware like pins, springs etc. included - in fact I have never seen them included.
M.

monseiur

w211 wrote: »

These calipers does not cost such a price, only 70eur each (need the vin number for verification).
That type of caliper pistons can easily seize. Just remove the pistons and check the condition.
Any caliper repair parts are available.

Hi w211,
Can I ask where is the best place to buy repair kits for calipers, also springs, pins etc. I mean best as regards quality, fitment etc. also which brand name to go for or avoid.
My Toyota dealer or motor factors don't stock them - there's loads of them on e bay but some are notorious for sending wrong parts etc.
Thanks M.

w211

I can not advertise, pm only.

monseiur

w211 wrote: »

These calipers does not cost such a price, only 70eur each (need the vin number for verification).
That type of caliper pistons can easily seize. Just remove the pistons and check the condition.
Any caliper repair parts are available.

In relation to the price of new front calipers - my local Toyota main dealer's price is a brain numbing €297.00 + VAT = €365.31 EACH!! (I double checked) and a caliper repair kit would be a special order - cost €78.00 + VAT €95.94
The price I quoted in my original post was from a supplier in UK that I get loads of stuff off, they specialise in 4x4's but don't do repair kits.
M.

CJhaughey

try biggred.co.uk

w211

Piston each about 10eur, total 80eur. All seals 20eur, total 40eur. Typically you do not need the new pistons, only replace the all seals and it works like a new.

jetfiremuck

Probably done now. Check brake pad wear upon removal. If uneven theres the issue. Check caliper slider hardware and caliper bracket for rust,caliper piston for sticking. Hardware needs to be replaced to stop binding. Check for collapsed internal flexible brake hose. It can restrict fluid