OK, so back up about 5 years (according to my wife, but she's right). My front brakes started grinding. No indicators ahead of time, nothing. Just straight to grinding. Took it to a local brake shop and new brake pads and rotors later (~$450) I drive my '03 home. I thought it was expensive THEN!

Fast forward to today. I knew I was (over)due for an oil change and not having the time or facilities to do it myself right now, I call the local dealer. Quick in/out synthetic oil change. NP. See ya at 5 this afternoon.

Go in and we get to know each other a bit as we (my wife and I) just moved here (still in process actually) and I've never been to this dealer before. Great bunch of guys I think. Talked to one guy (Bryan) that even took me out to the parking lot and showed me his 2nd Gen (with a Volant CAI and growls like a monster!). They take it back for the oil change and a tire rotation (it too was overdue) and I go to the waiting room. 15 minutes later the Service Manager comes out and says, "Mr. [my name], can I show you something?" NOT good to hear.

The right front caliper is seized. No movement at all. It's bad. Rotors are shot. Mic'ed them at about 24mm. Spec's show minimum is 26. So I'm looking at new rotors and pads (again), a new caliper and a brake flush/bleed.

He was nice enough to point out that the last time I had them done, they prolly used "lower quality" parts. Otherwise it shouldn't have seized. This time, estimate is $831. I thought it was bad the first time and then I thought about it. He was right. The last guy used sub-Nissan parts. It's been 5+ years. On Michigan roads. So while it's expensive, it's probably due.

I'm not complaining. It's still a great truck. I've never had to do much to it other than the usual things you have to do (tires, battery, oil changes, timing belt, etc.). So no worries. All in all, it's been VERY reliable with almost no unexpected repairs. Other than the front brakes last time, nothing. So no complaints.

My point is, while it has been a good truck, this is a lesson in "you get what you pay for" school. I didn't like the dealers estimate last time ($600 IIRC) so I took it to a local "brake specialist". Should have stayed with NISSAN work.

Take this for what it is. I'm only slightly ranting. While I don't have any complaints, it's just not an expense I wanted right now!

And no, I'm not planning to sell it any time soon. Just thought I'd "share" my experience.

Just a question. Why don't you do this yourself? It isn't hard to do.

"not having the time or facilities to do it myself right now"

Plus, I've never had much luck with brakes for some reason and don't like working on them because of it.

And that wasn't the point of the post. It was about learning from past experience and not going cheap on things you shouldn't.

Not intending to upset you. I was just wondering. Hell, I used to change my oil on one of my cars in the street. Cheap or not calipers shouldn't freeze up. Find a better mechanic.

Do it your self fronts easy pie. Did you do brake fluid swap out? Mighty Vac comes in handy and friend, lot's dot 3 fluid to put in.