Took my car in for alignment today and...

[mikewags]

The car was pulling to the right a bit, so I took it in for an alignment. I also had the guy replace a worn down back right tire with a spare good one I had. Anyways, back to the point; turned out the car's alignment was fine; but the front right brake caliper was a bit tight and the wheel wasn't spinning as freely as the left front. It was touching.

At that point, the mechanic said each caliper was 65 bucks, plus 85 for the work...in the end the work would cost about 245 bucks plus tax. It seemed a bit steep, and not entirely trusting the mechanic; I decided to just pay for the alignment and leave (to do it myself). If it all works out, I should be able to do the same job myself for the cost of the calipers.

I called advanced and it turns out the front brake calipers are 35 bucks a piece, plus installing them/bleeding the brake system isn't a huge chore.

Any advice or comments?

Also, the back right wheel of my car will generate a low ticking type sound after I drive for about 10 - 15 miles (towards the end of my work commute) .. Can this be a caliper issue on the back right tire? I'd just like to knock out all issues while I'm doing the front calipers.

Thanks!

[sblake01]

A shop will always charge a higher price for parts as they are in the business for the money. No calipers on the rear on an S30; they're drums. Could still be a brake hardware issue however but I'll defer to someone who's had that problem rather than guess.

Edited August 6, 2008 by sblake01

[BRE-240Z]

Is the noise you're hearing a metal-on-metal sort of noise?

Does it get worse if you are in the middle of a turn?

One easy thing to check is clearance between the drum and backing plate. One possible guess is that as things heat up, the drum expands and touches the backing plate. If it were me, I'd probably get the car up on jackstands, pull the rear wheel and rotate the drum to see where any contact might be taking place.

[doradox]

Before you spend any money try swapping the front tires left and right. Also if your wheel bearings are too tight it can cause brake drag.

Steve

[mikewags]

Well, i was spinning the actual disc (wheel with tire off) : But i will give it a shot.

the sound isn't metal on metal...it sounds like a "chicka-chicka-chicka-chicka" sound.

Edited August 6, 2008 by mikewags

[mikewags]

*BUMP*

Picked up the new caliper today, I bought one just for the side posing the problem.

Should I replace both at the same time? Is there any real point in doing this? Any good tips on what I should be aware of when changing the caliper?

[westpak]

well I usually replace parts in sets if the failure appears to be age related, because if one went the others are probably close