Brake warranty repair dispute with dealer

So I took my 2019 Tundra DC to the local Toyota dealership where I originally purchased for a yearly inspection.

They failed the vehicle inspection and I was handed an estimate for $ 550 repair because the front passenger side brake caliper was sticking due to the caliper pin rust, there was no rust on the other wheels. I refused the repair service to get a second opinion with another local trusted garage who said that it was a Toyota warranty issue, he sprayed the calipers and the inspection passed since the brake pads were at the approved levels but recommended that I contact the Toyota dealership for a warranty replacement of the caliper.

There was another list of recommended items valued at over $ 600, which included brake system flush, engine filter, cabin filter change, fuel induction service, replace front pads and rotors.

The vehicle has only around 25k miles on it and is still under warranty, the service rep spoke to the service manager who said that rust was not covered.

Any advice on how to deal with this? I was going to reach out to Toyota on Twitter, post reviews on Google on the dealership but don't know what else to do besides that.

Dave

 

Calipers rust. Caliper pins are a usable item. They are about $20. Sounds like the place you went is trying to rip you off. Don’t see how any of this is Toyotas fault. Same as trying to warranty a windshield wiper or tires for wearing out.

 

Yeah, if I remember correctly they're considered to be 'fasteners' which aren't covered by warranty.

 

I agree, this dealership has been changing rapidly with their up-charges for every little item, I have bought 4 vehicles from them and it was never this bad.

Needless to say that if I have to spend over $ 1,200 on a lightly used vehicle, I will reconsider going to the dealership or buying that brand.

 

I bought my used tundra at Woburn Toyota in MA. The front brakes squealed since day one. They said the pads were glazed over and wanted to charge me $600 + for front brakes and rotors. My salesman had them scuff the pads but it persisted. I had my own garage do the job for $300.
There’s a reason they call them STEALASHIPS.

 

Not a warranty issue but you’re dealer is apparently only interested in scamming people to make money. First red flag is fuel injection service which is not needed at all. Second is a brake flush. I just looked and couldn’t find a recommended interval for brake fluid in my maintenance guide but most vehicles brake fluid and coolant are 5 years or 60k.

I’m glad we don’t do inspections here. Seems like a good way for average people to get taken for their money more than anything.

 

IT has been my experience that manufacturers will sometimes authorize good will brake work in the first 10- 12K miles on a car for severe problems but this is otherwise mostly considered wear and tear stuff not covered under the bumper to bumper. I got a free rotor resurfacing in the first year of my Dakota because the rotors on those trucks were of inferior quality and went out of round fast on new ones. But it wasn't a warranty fix.

 

If you have a socket set, oem calipers are $170 each and it takes about 30 min to put them on. I live in a high salt area and replaced both my rear ones in 2020 and front ones this summer due to rust on my 2018. You can also bleed and flush your brake fluid too while at it.

It sucks that you have to spend any money on a 2019 with 25k miles though. Where do you live? Do you gets lots of snow or live near the beach?

 

I am in the Pittsburgh, PA area, and the truck has only seen 2 mild winters, the local mechanic who passed inspection said he wasn't concerned since the the only problem he sees is that the caliper on one wheel was wearing the pad more than the other wheels, he said he would take care of it at a later date once the supply chain issues are resolved since he cannot get OEM parts and he had to buy the caliper from the dealer at list price.

The truck drives fine, no brake issues or any other problems. It is my spare vehicle so I will not take it to any long distance trips until I get the caliper replaced.

 

The dealership is Baierl Toyota in Mars, PA, they were family owned but got recently acquired by a large dealership company and things have been going down hill.

Like I said, I have bought 2 Sienna, 2 Sequoia and a Tundra from them in the past 20 years, but I think I'm done with them, they are not honest.

 

Doesn't sound like a whole caliper issue. Sticky caliper, yes. Pull the pins, lube em up and stick them back in and go on with your day. They're not going to warranty rust.

 

Peripherally related as it's a Toyota product but my wife has a VERY gently driven 2019 RX 350 with 23K miles on it and I've already replaced the front rotors/pads (Both rotors were warped) and next will be all 4 tires which are nearly bald in spite of her easy driving style and being rotated every 5k miles. Not super happy for a relatively new vehicle.

 

Tim,

Thanks for the advise, when you get a chance, can you send the OEM caliper and the suggested vendor?

I have the tools and may also take Justin's advice and lubricate the pins.

Thanks for tip guys.

-David

 

The part number for the front right is 47730-0C040 and left is 47750-0C040. It looks like they are about $225 now. Search online for the best price and remember some places charge more shipping than other. It seems that these are another victim of this inflation.

You can get the pins at an auto parts store. Maybe try that first. They were about $20 for a set, not sure how much they are now.

 

If the issue is the pins, just replace those. I wouldn't junk the whole caliper at that mileage. Not OEM, but I doubt OEM would be much more.

$11 Centric Parts 117.44089 Disc Brake Hardware Kit

https://www.amazon.com/Centric-Parts-117-44089-Brake-Hardware/dp/B001KO2H4W


If you do want to swap the caliper. I have been using these guys a lot for Toyota (and Mazda) parts, they are usually the cheapest.

https://www.oempartsource.com/oem-parts/toyota-caliper-477500c040

These guys are usually a little more, but offer free shipping.

https://parts.germaintoyotaofnaples.com/p/Toyota__/Disc-Brake-Caliper-Left/66806314/477500C040.html