Lexus LX470 (1998-2007) Disc Brake Caliper: A Complete Guide for Owners
Address common seized caliper problems and choose the right replacement for your LX470’s powerful braking system.
- Seized calipers are the most common brake problem for the 1998-2007 LX470.
- Symptoms include pulling, a burning smell, and a feeling of brake drag.
- Aftermarket remanufactured calipers are a cost-effective and reliable solution.
- For safety and performance, always replace calipers in pairs on the same axle.
Is Your LX470's Caliper Failing?
The most common issue for the 1998-2007 Lexus LX470 is a seized or sticking brake caliper. Due to age, moisture, and road salt, the pistons inside the caliper can corrode and get stuck. When this happens, the caliper can't properly release the brake pad from the rotor.
Common symptoms of a seized caliper include:
- Vehicle Pulling: The truck pulls to one side when you're braking, or sometimes even while driving straight.
- Brake Drag: A feeling that the vehicle is sluggish or being held back, as if the parking brake is slightly on. This can hurt your fuel economy.
- Burning Smell: A distinct, acrid burning smell from one of the wheels after driving is a tell-tale sign of a dragging brake.
- Excessive Heat: After a drive, one wheel feels significantly hotter than the others. Be careful when checking this.
- Uneven Pad Wear: When changing your brakes, you may notice the inner or outer pad on one side is worn down far more than the other.
A Note on the Brake Booster
These trucks are also known for issues with the hydraulic brake booster, which can cause a variety of brake warning lights and a hard pedal feel. While this is a separate system from the calipers, it's important to diagnose brake problems correctly. The symptoms listed above are specific to failing calipers.
🎬 Watch: How to diagnose a seized caliper and steering wheel pull.Choosing the Right Aftermarket Caliper
While OEM calipers are available, they are very expensive. Aftermarket calipers offer a significant cost saving and are a popular, effective solution for LX470 owners. Most aftermarket calipers for this vehicle are professionally remanufactured. This means an original caliper core has been cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt with new seals, boots, and pistons as needed. They are then pressure tested to ensure proper function. Here’s a look at the available brands.
Performance & Coated Calipers
These calipers often feature special coatings to resist corrosion and may come in performance-oriented colors.
- Powerstop: Well-known for their red powder-coated calipers, often sold in complete kits with pads and rotors. They are remanufactured calipers and generally have positive reviews from the truck and SUV community for performance and value.
Standard Replacement Calipers
These brands are the workhorses of the aftermarket, offering a balance of quality and value. They are typically remanufactured and may be coated with a zinc or silver finish to prevent rust.
- Centric: A respected aftermarket brand that offers both new and remanufactured calipers. They are considered a quality, reliable choice.
- Raybestos: A long-standing name in brakes. They offer remanufactured calipers that are a dependable OEM-style replacement. While some users on forums have had negative experiences with their brake pads, their remanufactured calipers are generally considered a solid option.
- Dynamic Friction: This brand offers quality remanufactured calipers that meet OEM specifications, providing another solid choice for a standard replacement.
Value-Oriented Calipers
These brands focus on providing a functional, cost-effective solution.
- Cardone: One of the largest remanufacturers in the industry. They offer a wide range of calipers that provide a budget-friendly repair. While some DIYers express caution about remanufactured parts in general, Cardone is a major supplier for many auto parts stores.
- BBB Industries: Similar to Cardone, BBB Industries is a large-scale remanufacturer providing parts that meet OEM form, fit, and function at an accessible price point. 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing old, rusted calipers and brakes.
Pro Tip: Always Replace in Pairs
For balanced braking performance and safety, it is highly recommended to replace calipers on the same axle at the same time. If the right front caliper has failed, you should replace the left front as well.
Cost of Replacing an LX470 Brake Caliper
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Caliper | $47.95 - $187.10 (per caliper, core charge may apply) |
| New OEM Caliper | $300+ (per caliper) |
| Shop Labor (per axle) | $150 - $300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do LX470 calipers fail so often?
The 4-piston fixed calipers on the LX470 are powerful, but the design exposes multiple pistons to the elements. Over 15-25 years, the rubber boots protecting the pistons can degrade, allowing moisture and road grime to cause corrosion, leading to a seized piston. Regular brake fluid flushes (every 2-3 years) can help prolong their life by removing moisture from the system.
What is a "core charge"?
Since most aftermarket calipers are remanufactured, the manufacturer needs your old, failed caliper to rebuild. The core charge is a temporary deposit you pay when you buy the part. You get this deposit back when you return the old caliper to the seller.
Can I replace just one caliper?
While you can, it's strongly advised to replace both calipers on the same axle (both fronts or both rears). This ensures even braking performance and prevents the vehicle from pulling to one side. If one caliper has failed due to age, the other is likely not far behind.
What else should I replace with my calipers?
At a minimum, you will need fresh DOT 3 brake fluid to bleed the system. It is highly recommended to also install new brake pads and rotors. A seized caliper almost always causes abnormal wear to the pads and can create hot spots and uneven wear on the rotor. Also, consider replacing the flexible rubber brake hoses, as they can degrade internally over time and contribute to caliper issues.
Is this a difficult DIY job?
For an experienced DIYer, it is a manageable job. The caliper itself is held on by two large bolts. The most critical part of the job is properly bleeding the air out of the brake system afterward. If you are not 100% comfortable with brake system bleeding, this job should be left to a professional mechanic.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide for bleeding 100 Series Land Cruiser brakes.Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 47730-60080 47750-60080 47730-60090 47750-60090 47730-60101 47750-60101
The 1998-2007 Lexus LX470 uses 4-piston fixed calipers on both the front and rear axles. The front and rear calipers are different parts and are not interchangeable. Calipers are also specific to the driver's side (left) and passenger's side (right).
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Lexus LX470:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your LX470's Caliper Failing?
- A Note on the Brake Booster
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Caliper
- Performance & Coated Calipers
- Standard Replacement Calipers
- Value-Oriented Calipers
- Pro Tip: Always Replace in Pairs
- Cost of Replacing an LX470 Brake Caliper
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off