Caliper Sliders

[Larry Weil]

I had a brake job done today, both front and rear, on my 2004 Impreza
2.5 TS Wagon, almost 60,000 miles. This was done at an independent
garage. While they did not replace the calipers, they replaced the
caliper sliders at $15 each.

Was this really necessary? Is this something that is going to prevent
problems in the future, or was I just nickle-and-dimed for $60?

 

[Jim Stewart]

I had a brake job done today, both front and rear, on my 2004 Impreza
2.5 TS Wagon, almost 60,000 miles. This was done at an independent
garage. While they did not replace the calipers, they replaced the
caliper sliders at $15 each.

Do you have the old ones? Can you take
a picture and put it up somewhere? How
could we know without at least looking
at them?

 

[Michael Pardee]

I had a brake job done today, both front and rear, on my 2004 Impreza
2.5 TS Wagon, almost 60,000 miles. This was done at an independent
garage. While they did not replace the calipers, they replaced the
caliper sliders at $15 each.

Was this really necessary? Is this something that is going to prevent
problems in the future, or was I just nickle-and-dimed for $60?

I assume the roads are salted in New Hampshire (they are cindered here.) If
so, it was a good investment. If the sliders bind from rust they will wear
out the pads - and maybe even the discs - within weeks. I speak from
experience :-( just because of worn-out grease.

See http://tegger.com/hondafaq/rustybrakes/brakes1.html
Although this is on an Acura, the same principles apply.

Mike

 

[Jakey]

I've had two Subarus. I had one set of front brakes replaced while still
under warranty because of this problem. Road salt and sand grit cause the
slides to freeze, thus wearing the brakes, creating squeal, etc. It's
worthwhile preventative maintenance. If you don't drive a lot of miles, it's
worthwhile to have the calipers greased every year or two. There is a
special caliper grease made for this purpose.

 

[Edward Hayes]

In addition: make sure the rubber seals are good or replace them.