I took my fiero into the pontiac dealer and found my breaks had a siezed rear caliper and I guess all the others are on the way out. They wont replace just that one becuase of safety reasons I think. They qouted me $870 with change for new calipers. Is this right? It didnt stop great but it stopped for me before I took it in. I always thought that my breaks needed to be looked at. They didnt quite feel 100% safe while driving. But would the calipers cause this? They said they couldnt even stop the car. I know nothing of brakes so I am in the dark. Help is apreciated.

Some of the mechanics on the board will provide better details but I think them saying they won't replace just one caliper is rediculous. I would get a second opinion, especially considering that you said the brakes were working ok before. Have they checked for the condition of the brake lines and other related items? Also keep in mind that you can get rebuilt calipers that a dealer may not suggest.

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Trevor Hughes

Well there easy enuff to do your self
for 4 new rotors and all new pads cost me $130 + rebuilt Calipers are $23 to $60 each

So for under $250 you could do all the brakes your self (If your fiero is a 84 to 87)

88 Calipers are $44 Frount and $80 Rear + $50 core www.cskauto.com (Checker auto parts)

Whoops i just saw your name is 88GT that would cost more

[This message has been edited by ig88vsbobafett (edited 01-29-2003).]

[This message has been edited by ig88vsbobafett (edited 01-29-2003).]

What he said

quote Originally posted by ig88vsbobafett: Well there easy enuff to do your self for 4 new rotors and all new pads cost me $130 + rebuilt Calipers are $23 to $60 each So for under $250 you could do all the brakes your self (If your fiero is a 84 to 87) Whoops i just saw your name is 88GT that would cost more [This message has been edited by ig88vsbobafett (edited 01-29-2003).]

It's a dealer. They will charge book regardless of how long it takes.

$350 in parts is reasonable but don't go for the cheapest parts (and GM parts are excellent parts). After that, it's about a 3 hour job.

I might buy $500.

[This message has been edited by TK (edited 01-29-2003).]

I've always made sure to replace both sides when doing any kind of brake work. The last thing you want is one side having more braking power than the other because every time you hit the brakes the car is going to pull to one side.

I completely re-did the rear brakes on my 86 2 weeks ago (calipers, rotors, pads, ebrake springs) and it wasn't too bad a job. You'll need that special torx bit to remove the caliper bolts and a hell of a grip to compress those damn ebrake springs. While I was at it I decided to throw new pads on the front. If you're not mechanically inclined brakes are pretty expensive to have done. I'd ask the dealer to show you some sign of failure for the front calipers. If they are indeed going there should be signs of excessive heat on the rotor (warping, tons of brake dust, lots of wear, a glazing on the pads).

If you do decide to do it yourself pick up a good repair manual. I've got the factory service manual for mine (from ebay), but I've heard the haynes book is pretty good.

Jason

PS Sorry about the angry face on my reply. I thought it was going to show up in my post after the sentence about compressing the springs.

[This message has been edited by Buffalo86GT (edited 01-29-2003).]

Thanks for the replies. Well I found out that the 876 dollars are for JUST the rear. I already told them to move ahead on it.

I went down there tonight though and physically inspected them myself. the rear is indeed siezed. The fronts dont need to be replaced. The clutch guy said when he took it for a drive it wouldnt stop AT ALL. he wouldnt go near it until the brakes got fixed.

See I would do it myself but I live in an apartment with no garage. street parking. I have no relatives or friends that have a garage near me either. so I am stuck with prices.

Dont know how the situation is in CA, but you might want to check out a couple of self storage places and see how much a bay you could pull the car in would cost for a month. I understand that it's difficult when your in an apartment to do any kind of repairs and that you had to have it done but just keep that in mind for next time. For what you spent you probably could have done all for rotors, pads, and calipers plus paid for a bay to do it in if the prices aren't super inflated for the space.

quote Originally posted by Mikes88GT: Thanks for the replies. Well I found out that the 876 dollars are for JUST the rear. I already told them to move ahead on it. I went down there tonight though and physically inspected them myself. the rear is indeed siezed. The fronts dont need to be replaced. The clutch guy said when he took it for a drive it wouldnt stop AT ALL. he wouldnt go near it until the brakes got fixed. See I would do it myself but I live in an apartment with no garage. street parking. I have no relatives or friends that have a garage near me either. so I am stuck with prices.

Well, the price is high but you can bug the heck out of the dealership if anything should go wrong with their work. I did a front brake upgrade to my 86SE (Berrta Calipers, Rotors, pads, bearings and seals for $250.00.

Too bad your not in Florida, I would be glad to help you out.
I can do the front calipers in about 30 min.
The rears are harder but I bet we could be done before your lanlord found us

Well I think the problem is that you took it to the dealer and they are trying to sell you brand spankin new calipers. What you need to do is go to an auto parts store and get Rebuilt Calipers (much much cheaper with most of the quality!). Plus I know the local Murries around here offers a life time warrenty on their calipers (and brake pads) so when the old ones wear out just bring them in for a replacement. And definitally do it yourself it really isnt that hard of a job. Second off too bad you didnt live in Mich because then I could of probably got you hooked up being my part time job (after school) is at a shop that rebuilds brake calipers.

Good luck!

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'85 SE 4 Speed
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No Cat
Holley Scoup
Holley Throttle Body

quote Originally posted by Mikes88GT: Thanks for the replies. Well I found out that the 876 dollars are for JUST the rear. I already told them to move ahead on it.

Oh wow, unless '88 calipers cost 5 times as much as pre 88s you got hosed BAD. Hope those calipers are gold plated.

88's are DEFinately more expensive in brake parts. I also doubt that the Pontiac house will give you a 'core' rebate on your old calipers. For example FS lists 88 calipers at $140, if you dont core them it will be an additional $30. So you are looking at $170 per side. I bet AC Delco parts are close to that.

Also the Grand Am brake conversion is not an option for you since you have an '88.

It sucks that you dont have your own garage. A good chunk of that charge is for labor...

Ouch! NAPA sell new rotors for $65 ea. Advance Auto sells rebuilt calipers @ $70 ea (not including core)
Add some FS Stainless steel brake lines @$99 a set, (the calipers come with new pads), add a new master cylinder and I think I rebuilt the entire brake system on my 88 Formula for <$750.........Paul

HOLY MARY MOTHER OF GOD THERE IS EVIL IN THIS WORLD AND IT GOES BY THE NAME "DEALERSHIP"!!!

I have NEVER spent more than $50 to rebuild a caliper.

Sand blasters are a wonderful thing (like the Q-tip man says, "only on the outside") Then hone the cylinder wall lightly and install the new seals. 30 minutes work.

$870 dollars?!?!?

I need to lay down. I'm feeling faint.

quote Originally posted by Jake_Dragon: Too bad your not in Florida, I would be glad to help you out. I can do the front calipers in about 30 min. The rears are harder but I bet we could be done before your lanlord found us

Like Jake said to bad you don't live in Florida . Could have helped you out . Dealing with calipers , rotors , brake pads is not a Third Water Egyption Mystery Rite ? Plus would have saved you a hell of a lot of money . Maybe enough to buy Jake and I a cold bottle of beer .

Galen Smith
Red 85 Sport Coupe
Founder of Suncoast Fiero Club
Florida Fiero Council

I have an 87 GT, and I just did the brakes on it. I used all new ACDelco calipers, two new front rotors (re-used the rear ones as I was able to have them turned), 4 stainless steele brake lines, a new ACDelco master cylinder, and 2 quarts of brake fluid for $600. I of corse did the work myself, which really isn't very difficult.

Ofcorse mine is an 87, so if you have an 88 that will be a bit different.

CHEERS!!

Luke