Originally Posted By: Volvo_ST1
My car is 16 years old with a bit over 200k miles on it. I have rebuilt the front calipers twice, the rear calipers once (then replaced them) so far. I have replaced all brake hoses once. Fluid gets replaced every 12 to 18 months.
In a harsh climate I would rebuild the calipers more frequently. I see no reason why a well-maintained caliper can't last pretty much indefinitely. If the piston seal wears too much, scuffing of the caliper cylinder may occur. Then the caliper may need replacing. That's why I would not go more than 5 years or 100k miles without rebuilding the calipers. One front caliper for my cars costs over $300. The rear caliper is a bit less costly. A rebuild kit costs about $14 per caliper. You do the math.
As a datapoint:
I have a 1998 BMW 528 which is "daily driven" in the Toronto area with very salty winters. Last fall I was doing the rear brakes and ordered a caliper rebuild kit since I figured it couldn't hurt. It's nice to have it done and all, but it was unnecessary. There were no signs of leaks or any rubber boot or seal degradation. I believe the OES of these calipers to be ATE. My fronts have never been rebuilt. The calipers all around are fully operational and rust-free. Fluid change target is once per year, but sometimes it's two. My usual fluid of choice is ATE Type200/SuperBlue DOT4 (alternating).
My car is 16 years old with a bit over 200k miles on it. I have rebuilt the front calipers twice, the rear calipers once (then replaced them) so far. I have replaced all brake hoses once. Fluid gets replaced every 12 to 18 months.
In a harsh climate I would rebuild the calipers more frequently. I see no reason why a well-maintained caliper can't last pretty much indefinitely. If the piston seal wears too much, scuffing of the caliper cylinder may occur. Then the caliper may need replacing. That's why I would not go more than 5 years or 100k miles without rebuilding the calipers. One front caliper for my cars costs over $300. The rear caliper is a bit less costly. A rebuild kit costs about $14 per caliper. You do the math.
As a datapoint:
I have a 1998 BMW 528 which is "daily driven" in the Toronto area with very salty winters. Last fall I was doing the rear brakes and ordered a caliper rebuild kit since I figured it couldn't hurt. It's nice to have it done and all, but it was unnecessary. There were no signs of leaks or any rubber boot or seal degradation. I believe the OES of these calipers to be ATE. My fronts have never been rebuilt. The calipers all around are fully operational and rust-free. Fluid change target is once per year, but sometimes it's two. My usual fluid of choice is ATE Type200/SuperBlue DOT4 (alternating).
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