I need some help. I'm not a mechanic and not well versed on brakes at all but here's my situation. I have a '15 Platinum with 53k miles and I noticed that my brakes have started squeaking, but moreso when I go in reverse and hit the brakes. Anyways, I decided to take my truck in for an inspection and the guy brought me out to the bay when the truck was lifted and told me my front brake calipers were bad and then showed me by trying to spin the front wheels and they wouldn't really spin. He then went to the back wheels and showed me how freely they spin to show what my front wheels should do. He said that is a 100% definite sign of bad calipers and said its a well known issue on f150's and he gets them in all the time to repair. He stated that the calipers are slightly stuck halfway closed and its impeding the rotors so I was told I need to have the front calipers replaced and was quoted $900. My question is, 1, does the diagnosis I was given sound correct? Could it actually be a brake line or something else causing the issue? 2, if the front calipers need replacing, wheres the best place to buy the parts and what brand, etc? PLEASE HELP.

 

Factory calipers are under $100 each new. Installation is under an hour per side. When changing calipers, you’ll need to bleed the brakes. Most shops charge $100-$200 for that service. $900 sounds high but not outrageous if new rotors/pads are included. For comparison, powerstop sells their full front brake package (rotors, calipers, pads) for about $500.

 

Calipers can usually be serviced unless they are seized up solid.

usually the pins need to be cleaned or replaced to make the caliper assembly work properly, which you should do when replacing the pads / rotors

so unless they are completely seized up a regular brake job should be all you need along with cleaning up or replacing the brake hardware

 

Agree with the seized guide pins diagnosis. When the caliper no longer slides freely on the guide pins, the pad never lifts off the rotor and results in the drag you saw. New pins are like $5 at Rockauto. Properly lubricated with high temp brake grease with properly installed seals will allow the caliper to float like is is supposed to. Now, it is still possible that you could have a bad caliper, but that is unlikely. You probably need to replace pads and rotors along with the pins for the best result.

If you are not going to do the work yourself, I wouldn't buy the parts. Most shops will not warranty customer supplied parts.

 

I would get another opinion from a brake shop, and not the corner Meinike or Midas. If you do it yourself, O'reilly autparts or a Napa will sell and recommend good replacements. I tend to stay away from Autozone or Advance auto on calipers and rotors. If that is not convenient, RockAuto.com is a great place for parts.

 

My suggestion is also a brake inspection 2nd opinion.

 

try greasing the guide pins before replacing the calipers. i don't believe for a second they are bad at just 52k miles

 

Thanks! That sounds much more reasonable. This is why I have major trust issues with mechanics, I feel like they all makeup bs to try to overcharge you. I brought up that I think its crazy my calipers went bad this early at only a little over 50k miles. Im not hard on my brakes or anything either. I will get a second opinion.

 

I thought the same thing but he claimed he gets ALOT of F150's in with bad calipers. He said its a well known problem with these trucks

 

Another question, if it turns out only the pins need to be replaced, should I get the brake fluid replaced as well since its been 5 years that Ive had the vehicle?