Caliper rant

[Boatman1]

Was quoted over £200 + for a caliper (Octavia Mk3) but £50 rebate if I returned the old one. Garages were previously allowed to replace the pistons which they are no longer permitted to do. (hardly an onerous task)

Are the public being charged new part prices for reconditioned calipers with new pistons installed, it looks like a scam to me. If so, these calipers should be under £100 to replace. Perhaps others involved in the motor industry know better but I feel this is something which should be rectified in favour of the consumer.

[Ootohere]

@Boatman1Who is it that has stopped a mechanic or diy'er that wants to replace pistons from doing so?

 

If you want to do that yourself then why not just do that?

[Breezy_Pete]

A reconditioned caliper isn't inferior to a new one, and such re-use of material resources should be seen as a good thing in my book.

Rebates are a good way of preventing wastage. 

[KeithCheetham]

All parts available to Joe Public. Prices obviously relevant to engine and brake system fitted - OE equipment supplier as some have multiple fitments. Skoda Octavia | Brakeparts.co.uk

[HeavyMetalRich]

It's the vehicle manufacturers/parts suppliers that don't want the garages replacing pistons and seals for whatever reason. You'll not get any repair kits from them like you used to. You need to go to the more specialist/ general suppliers like mentioned above.

Edited 30 November, 2021 by HeavyMetalRich
Added info

[mrgf]

...Im fairness, most semi-competent DIY-er can change brake pads/discs but callipers are a little more involved, especially on cars fitted with ABS. So if you can do that, can you still manage to strip/rebuild one? Bear in mind, any company who does this, will have to undertake a damn sight more rigorous testing then a home mechanic, to ensure they are fit to re-use. Then factor in what the main dealer will charge, for genuine new parts. 

 

The one you return might go to a reconditioned but you may also find you are being quoted for a brand new one so the exchange rate will still be high. Lower of course, for a recon unit but still, much higher then a used "You get what you see" Second-hand unit from a scrappy/boot sale/mate who took one off four years ago and it might just be the same type! 

As for garages being "Able" To re-fit pistons, seals, etc, it will take them longer to do that, then fit a clean, recon or new unit, which they know will work and will make them a few quid, with less agro.

As they say over at Dacia, "You do the maths"!

[mrgf]

...Im fairness, most semi-competent DIY-er can change brake pads/discs but callipers are a little more involved, especially on cars fitted with ABS. So if you can do that, can you still manage to strip/rebuild one? Bear in mind, any company who does this, will have to undertake a damn sight more rigorous testing then a home mechanic, to ensure they are fit to re-use. Then factor in what the main dealer will charge, for genuine new parts. 

 

The one you return might go to a reconditioned but you may also find you are being quoted for a brand new one so the exchange rate will still be high. Lower of course, for a recon unit but still, much higher then a used "You get what you see" Second-hand unit from a scrappy/boot sale/mate who took one off four years ago and it might just be the same type! 

As for garages being "Able" To re-fit pistons, seals, etc, it will take them longer to do that, then fit a clean, recon or new unit, which they know will work and will make them a few quid, with less agro.

As they say over at Dacia, "You do the maths"!

 

I also wonder where you were looking as I can see them for half that, even for a VRS

 

[J.R.]

There is no difference in the brake calipers whether ABS is fitted or not.

 

"You cant buy the repair kits from the manufacturers like you used to............"

 

Lucky I have got a long memory, you are talking about something that happened 40 years ago, in the meantime there has been a whole cottage industry grown to fill the void, grown and died and resurrected in China for the manufacturing and t'internet for the sellers.

 

I still have a tool draw full of new old stock cylinders and repair kits from the 60s and 70s, recently I sold my Caterham Blackbird that I built in 2002 and which had stood since 2004, the purchaser was on his way and I was trying to resolve a sticking Willwood race clutch master cylinder with a swollen seal, it was a 5/8" bore and I had an unused Girling seal from the 60's amongst my stock which fitted perfectly.

 

Garages are still allowed and permitted to repair hydraulic components, nobody has forbidden them, for expediency they choose not to and who can blame them, they make more money fitting new parts, have less hassle and less comeback.

Edited 30 November, 2021 by J.R.