Must you replace both calipers at same time?

[imagine3163]

Hey guys, my front driver side caliper has locked up so I am going to go through autozone to get another loaded remanufactured one. I was reading up in my Haynes manual on the procedure to replace the caliper and I noticed that there was a note in there to "always replace both calipers at the same time." I was wondering what the reasoning was behind this as the passenger front caliper is just fine. I would really like to only replace one if its possible as money is tight...

 

[Jeff99GS]

Possibly to keep pad wear even? I have replaced ONE caliper before with NO ill side effects.

 

[Weapon-X]

Well, I tend to have a habit of overdoing things.

I would probably replace the calipers in a pair............................... BUT..............

In actuality, If the other caliper is functioning properly you "should" be OK.

Pads obviously get replaced in pairs to promote a more balanced wear and properly proportioned operating between left and right sides.

Chances are if your caliper has been running tight or "locked up" that side has more wear on it.

My minimum suggestion would be to replace the 1 caliper and grab a new set of pads. Inspect the other caliper while replacing the pads. Look for torn dust boots, etc.

My next suggestion would be to replace the calipers in a pair and once again grab a new set of pads.

 

[ndsti]

For balanced braking replace caliper in pairs. I would also replace rotors if you found that one caliper was seized.

Replace rotors in pairs also!

Why didn't you consider rebuilding the calipers, it costs about half (if not less than half) of a new one and is very simple to do?

 

[eclipsemike1989]

dont worry about it, u can just change one done it several times, im guessing the haynes is jsut saying that because they figure if one went out then the other is soon to, dont worry though my dsm is still going strong and ive only done one at a time

 

[Boost92awd]

You will be fine just replacing one caliper. I'v done it numerous times, with no problems.

 

[imagine3163]

Why didn't you consider rebuilding the calipers, it costs about half (if not less than half) of a new one and is very simple to do?

Because I don't have the time right now nor do I have a garage so the less work I have to do on it right now the better.

I already have new drilled and slotted rotors for all fours along with some Hawk HPS pads I will be putting on when the weather gets better. Sounds like I will just replace the one caliper for now. Thanks for the input guys!

 

[Boost92awd]

Just make sure to bleed the whole system once your done replacing the caliper.

 

[toofast82]

Pads in pairs! I'd definitely check the other caliper's rubber and make sure it compresses well.