Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

Hi Kids,
I just noticed the smell of brake fluid one evening and looked for the cause. I noticed a little leak coming from what appears to be the piston of the driver's side rear caliper. No really much of a leak, but it dripped at least once from what I can tell. I looked at the reservoir and there doesn't seem to be any appreciable decline in brake fluid. Since this is my first vehicle with rear calipers, I thought I would get some feedback from you folks. So, my question is two-fold:

1. Can the rear calipers spill a little fluid from using the hand brake? Just wondering if it was a possibility and it would not be an ongoing issue.

2. Are the FJ caliper rebuilding kits worth it? Rebuilding kit is $10 and I think I can get a new caliper for about $50?

I'm not going to do anything until the weekend except monitor the situation daily - see if it leaks any more and pay close attention to my brake fluid levels. Hopefully, one of you will tell me this happens from time to time with rear wheels discs and there is nothing to worry about. However, I thinking this will not be the case.

Thanks in advance for any info you can provide. TommyBoy

Unfortunately Calipers shouldn't leak.

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Please Click for Sarah's Wish

I checked it out last weekend, and it was actually the axle bearing. The grease was shooting out of the caliper, hence my initial diagnosis. After getting it off, the caliper was fine. I was just surprised how much the grease got liquified when it leaked though. I got all the rubber parts replaced and the bearing pressed again and all seems fine. I still smell grease though, but I think that is just leftover from the job. I'll keep an eye on it and see if it leaks anymore. Thanks Squid.