Well, about 4 weeks into ownership, and my MOT was due today. And of course, it failed.

Rear discs and pads needed replacing, and the rear right caliper wasn't working at all! So, had it all replaced and it has now passed!

But, I do have one silver caliper now however.

Hmmmmm I'd be having a green one fitted, saw some genuine green calipers on fleabay earlier when I was having a mooch about.

Needed it doing today, so wasn't going to quibble over the colour too much. I actually quite like the silver one. I imagine the other rear will need replacing not too far down the line, may stay with silver.

Do they not supply green ones then? they do tend to look a bit grubby and in need of a re paint. Bet it looks odd now?

A green one was going to cost enough more to make me not want it. It does look a little odd, but, it's clean and shiny, so looks better than the fading and chipped green ones now. I think I like the idea of red ones to go with the car in the long run.

Thought calipers should be bought as pairs like pads and disc. Hmm learn something new everyday

Thought calipers should be bought as pairs like pads and disc. Hmm learn something new everyday

I did wonder that briefly while there, plus I figured, surely a garage wouldn't pass an opportunity to make more money, so assumed one must be fine to replace.

Pads and discs-yes, as the same pressure on the pedal may produce a different braking effect but there is no reason to change both calipers if the other one is working properly.

Are the calipers not normally serviceable (i.e. greasing sliding pins, having a good go at sliding them to get the pistons freed up etc)?! Except of course if there is a leak. I'd have thought it rare an entire caliper would need replacing, unless a garage was just plain lazy.

Are the calipers not normally serviceable (i.e. greasing sliding pins, having a good go at sliding them to get the pistons freed up etc)?! Except of course if there is a leak. I'd have thought it rare an entire caliper would need replacing, unless a garage was just plain lazy.

No idea to be honest. I watched him try to get it to 'spring' but it just wouldn't. The bit the handbrake cable slotted into was ummm, limp, is maybe best way to describe it. To be fair, I trust the guy, and he happily talked me through it all with me right there watching him. I swear, in the time the car was in the air and I was stood under it, I think I learnt more about it than I had previously! Plus he put my new aux belt on for free too.