I recently took my 2003 Lexus GX-470 to a local mechanic in MD today due to my steering wheel shaking when I brake. I was told that my roters were warped and I needed to replace the brakes, pads on all 4 wheels and the calipers on 2 front wheels for a total cost of $1500. This seems high to me. Is this a good price in the DMV area? I am contemplating taking the car somewhere else, but the mechanic states that it is too dangerous and he doesn't see how I drove this long with the calibers not working properly. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

 

doesnt seem that high considering all of what you stated needed to be done. Really should have been paying attention to some of the symptoms sooner than letting things get to the critical point. Not judging nor scolding,,, just saying that brake wear will give you indications prior to something this extreme. Warped rotors WILL cause vibrations, extreme depending on how badly warped. Warped rotors will also cause uneven pad wear, and truthfully this IS what you depend on to actually stop your car. What is the mechanic stating is wrong with the calipers? Defective calipers can ALSO cause 1 or both of the mentions problems to occur? Are they locking up? Not operating at all? Need some more info here. As far as the danger factor, once a car is diagnosed by a mechanic (especially a shop or a certified mechanic) there is a liability factor that is involved. KNOWING that your car presents a danger to both you as well as others on the road, they are OBLIGATED to inform you of their findings as well as advise you of the danger factor involved. YOU CAN take the car somewhere else for another opinion, if that is your choice, however as bad off as the problem seems I TOO would advise not DRIVING it; have it towed if you are determined to have another place look at it. Money saving tip my be to find a shop that you trust to do the work, maybe for a lower price, or even replace the parts yourself, if you are somewhat mechanicaly inclined. Just because youhave been advised that your situation is too dangerous to drive, you ARE NOT obligated to have the repairs completed at their facility. Most places will have you sign a wavier, absolving them of any liability, before they release your car back to you in this instance.

 

check with a lexus dealer on the brakes, go in for a brake inspection....

most dealers can also free up seized front calipers on a GX instead of replacing them...