can you replace only one caliper? (1991 240sx)

[vancouverbc]

My wheel is squeaking like crazy and brake fluid is low. Noticed rear pad on driver side is much more warn than other pads and caliper appears to be leaking. Do I have to replace all pads and calipers on all wheels?

[GhostDriver]

Do the brakes all at once or just the fronts. I wouldn't just do one. It sounds like you need a quick brake job.

[SmithSR]

Replace calipers, at minimum, in pairs!

Take a good hard look at the fronts when you're doing the rears too. One less thing to worry about if you do em all at once.

[keepingthe240]

NICO @ it's best! No, just change the bad caliper. You will have to change both brake pads and turn the rotors in the back. Now might be the time to upgrade to z32 rear brakes. Tell the part store there z32 calipers and give a fake name.

[SmithSR]

That is cheap advice and not worth taking.

In the physical world is it possible to replace just one caliper?yes.why only one?You <could> do many things such as skipping the machining and using a buddy's half worn pads if you wanted, but all are equal parts stupid and waste of time.Aren't you interested in improving braking(to include longevity) instead of band aiding the car together. Buying one caliper at a time only means a return trip to the parts store later.

This is why I would immediately suggest you also take a critical look at the front brakes.

[vancouverbc]

Thanks for the help:) After some reading, I am wondering if the pins on the caliper need lubrication? The outside pad is about a quarter as thick as inside pad . Someone mentioned that when your pads are thin your caliper leaks? Does a leaking caliper mean it needs replacing? I will do some reading on z32. I'm not a racer or anything.

[keepingthe240]

If your going to change both rear calipers, go with the q45's. The z32 would need a diferent brakelines. THe stock brakes on the 240 suck and why spend an axtra $100 for a caliper that still works. I'd suggest checking if the other caliper is bad as well. You might find out that it sticks(can't be pushed back in). You might find out that the rotors can't be turned( too thin)

[hannibal]

Q45 rears still require the ebrake drum assembly. For this reason, Ive had second thoughts on upgrading the rears.