2008 Infiniti G35X - Rear brake caliper seized - TWICE

120k miles or so. in 2014 my left rear caliper seized, tore up the rotor and was a costly repair. Dealer recommended replacing BOTH rear calipers to avoid issues with the one that didn't fail. Last week, loud brake noise and grinding, took back to dealer. Left rear caliper seized again. They actually said it was both that seized, and coincidentally, both were replaced. I expressed my displeasure with the dealer and my anticipation of them contacting the manufacturer, as I don't believe I should be paying for this again. of course, no recalls or TSBs, and they said it's same original equip. caliper.

Could another brake component be causing this failure?

Thanks!

 

Did the dealer use original equipment calipers or rebuilt/re-manufactured units?

 

I was told original equipment, actually didn't think the dealer would use rebuilt. I still need to locate the receipt, maybe from there I can tell if new or rebuilt. Will also ask dealer when they call to confirm what was used.

 

Dealer records show left rear brake caliper seized and both rear calipers were replaced in March of 2013 (just under 3 years ago) at 85k miles, currently have 135k miles and both rear seized again. He said cost to replace calipers/rotors/pads would be $1,500, but they were able to reduce it to $1,200. Not sure what to expect, but was hoping the dealer/manuf would eat most of this cost since it was only 50k miles, and I replace the perfectly good right rear caliper 3 years ago on their recommendation so the pair would be new. I am kind of blown away, am I expecting too much?? why would this happen again after only 50k miles, front calipers are original and are just fine!

 

2008 INFINITI G35 3.5L V6 Caliper | RockAuto

The rear calipers are nothing special

2008 INFINITI G35 3.5L V6 Rotor | RockAuto

Rotors are cheap too.....


Looks like they're planning on making a killing on your repair ... I'd try an honest independant.

 

would also try an independent shop or perhaps even do the repair yourself before I would spend that much for rear brake calipers, rotors and pads at the dealer.
brake hoses could also cause the caliper not to release but in this case seems most likely that its just a common issue with this model do a quick search and you will find many people have had the same issue and you will likely continue to have brake and caliper issues as long as you own the vehicle.

 

I agree! Between being cheap and not trusting a lot of mechanic shops, I almost always do my own repairs. I've never worked on your brand of vehicle but don't see how they could justify that price

 

At this point it will be a big hassle to get the car to an independent shop, and how do I know they won't charge close to $1k anyway for the job? Can't do it myself, work long hours and my back can barely withstand checking the air pressure in tires!!

Another piece of information, the left rear wheel bearing went, TWICE, first under warranty, I think just under 60k miles. Then went again about a year later. Never heard of a REAR wheel bearing going, and TWICE? Is this a coincidence, or can the seized calipers be related to this?

 

"At this point it will be a big hassle to get the car to an independent shop, and how do I know they won't charge close to $1k anyway for the job?"

You won't know until you ask (get a quote/estimate).
You are cutting yourself off from a reasonable repair by prejudging the outcome before you even ask.

Don't keep repeating the same mistake over & over... we're trying to help you !!

 

For those of you suggesting I may be talking myself out of visiting a local mechanic, you are correct, and your advise is well taken. I really wish I had a local mechanic I could trust, maybe it's time to start looking. Although I always liked the convenience of having a dealer loaner while car is being repaired, and if there is a warranty issue, sometimes the dealer is in a position to defray some of the cost.

UPDATE: Just got off phone with dealer, and he tells me after further investigation the calipers are OK. Sounds like the dealer prejudged the diagnosis!! They cleaned up the pistons & calipers and everything is releasing fine, then he tells me the rotors may have 1 cut left, so he is going to try that, for a total rear brake job that will now cost me about $250. MUCH more reasonable than $1200! If new rotors are needed, cost will be $425.

Service Rep also indicated average life span of rear pads is 12-18k miles?? no way!! that would mean I would need a brake job every year! When my caliper seized, I had 85k miles. at 107k miles (22k miles later) I was in for front brakes, and at that time the rears were good, at 7ML. So in the last 28k miles, I wore down the pads another 7ML? sounds a bit excessive, although, I DO think my pads would be worn out after 50k miles.

thanks!

 

Seems a typical story with dealer.
They over charge for pretty much all the parts. Dealer OEM parts are expensive to begin with and on top of that they charge you full list price. If you purchase same OEM part on-line, it could be 20 to 30% less than you dealer will charge you, but usually you have no choice but to go to dealer and pay full list price when you need them right away.
Independent shops also purchase OEM parts from the dealers, but they get lower price. If you go to dishonest shop, they will still charge you a full list price. If you go to honest shop, they charge you at their price or just slightly higher.

Many shops (not just dealers) will try to sell you more than you need, especially if you don't know much about cars. I once witnessed a dealer service rep selling $600 break job for replacing rotors and pads to a old lady. Good thing was there for recall warranty services only.

Another experience I had with dealer is my sister's Lexus had air leaking at tire bead seal. Tire was installed at the dealer 5 months ago, so took back to the dealer. Service rep told her rim head severe corrosion and needs special cleaning. They wanted to charge $250 for this special cleaning service. I can purchase used or refurbished rim in good condition for about same price on-line. After market ones even cheaper, but then need to replace all 4.
Also, how come they did not see corrosion 5 months ago if it was that bad?
After a long argument, they just did a quick clean up (probably wire wheeled or sanded?) and remount tire at no charge.

So, this seems typical story with dealers.