I have a 2002 ES 300 with 75,000 miles. While at the Lexus Dealer for the 75k maintenance, the service rep informed me that the two rear brake calipers were frozen. He said this would cause rapid wear on the pads and I was advised to replace them ASAP. As far as I can tell, the brakes work fine.
The cost for the job is $1200. Is this appropriate? Each caliper is $357.16 (2 need to be replaced). Labor would be about $480.00. Here are my questions:
- Can the calipers be lubricated or repaired? The dealer said the mechanism was sealed.
- I am considering a local reputable repair shop (other than a dealer) for a second opinion if the repairs must be made. Are replacement parts other than Toyota or Lexus a viable alternative or should I specify factory parts?
- This is the first repair (other than routine maintenance) that I have had to make on the car. All maintenance has been at the dealer. Is this the kind of repair a local and reputable repair shop can perform or should I just suck it up and have the dealer do the job?
Again, the brakes seem to work fine. Any insights would be appreciated.
Many thanks, Alan