I think I need to replace my front brake callipers. I have new pads and rotors and the pedal is feeling slushy and sticks at low speeds, especially at lights. The other work was done professionally. The same local shop wants 366.00 per side plus labor to install, although i haven't confirmed this to be the issue. I just strongly suspect.

is this a DIY for a reasonably handy car guy, or can the old ones be rehabbed a bit? I have 128K miles on it and it has been a perfect car.

Thanks for the advice.

 

are you sure you have the correct size pads and rotors? is everything installed properly? calipers dont just go bad usually. they can leak or seize up. you should get another opinion and have another mechanic check out the brakes.

 

Has air in the system been positively discarded?

 

pull the front wheels off the ground and turn them by hand. They should both have the same amount of drag(resistance to rotate). Also if the caliper is sticking you will find out sooner than you like because the pads will be worn through quickly. I maintain a 2000 s500 an noticed the same problem you report although I dont drive the car enough to see how it acted when it was correct. Maybe the master cylinder is going bad giving you a spongy pedal. If you don't want to waste money chasing ghosts. Just keep driving it till it gets worse and then it will be easier to pin point. IMHOpinoin. Also did you ever run low on brake fluid? If air is in the brake lines it needs to be bled. You cant compress a liquid but you car compress air, hence the soft pedal . Another reason for a long pedal would be if their is a gap between the brake pad and the rotor, this situation could be cause by the brake caliper sticking.