[G-PA]

Just a week ago I was thinking how reliable my 2013 Volt was. Then on Tuesday, I got a low brake fluid warning light. Checking under the hood, I was able to confirm the fluid was low. I was able to get to the dealer that same day. They confirmed a leaky caliper and refilled the reservoir. The new caliper is at the dealer and will be replaced tomorrow.
Anyone else have a leaky caliper?

 

[Raymondjram]

We will continue to need hydraulic brakes because regenerative braking is too weak at low speeds, so a mechanical means will complete the speed reduction. The best we can do is to coast as much as possible and use regenerative braking until the EV stops completely as in the new 2017 Chevy Bolt EV.

 

[Steverino]

Anyone else have a leaky caliper?

I don't recall seeing any leaky caliper posts in the past 6 years. You may be the first, or one of a very rare few who have had this issue.

 

[DonC]

Hopefully not a time consuming nor expensive fix. I can't remember a post about a leaky caliper. I had an issue with the caliper creating a noise going over bumps. Not safety related and not leaking.

 

[G-PA]

I don't recall seeing any leaky caliper posts in the past 6 years. You may be the first, or one of a very rare few who have had this issue.

I either, which is why I decided to post. My surmise is a piston seal was compromised, but I don't know that. I will ask the dealer if I may see the defective part. I believe the cost will be in the $400 range.

 

[Norton]

I either, which is why I decided to post. My surmise is a piston seal was compromised, but I don't know that. I will ask the dealer if I may see the defective part. I believe the cost will be in the $400 range.

SAY WHAT?
Is it a warranty repair?
You're going to pay them that much for a simple caliper R&R?

Oreilly Auto Parts lists a Volt caliper for $71 locally. And any small auto shop could swap it out and bleed the brakes.
It's probably the same exact caliper as used on the Cruze and who knows what else....

I'd do it for only $200 if you were near me!

 

[Don_AZ]

You could get caliper rebuilding kits in the past that were just the O-Ring and a dust seal. 400 is a huge rip off. There was probably moisture in there and a little rust built up on the piston causing it to tear the O-Ring. Clean up the piston, toss in new seals and good to go.

 

[caronjeff]

I'm wondering if salt, winter slush, and lack of use because of regen has created a corrosion or pitting of the piston surface.

 

[Norton]

You could get caliper rebuilding kits in the past that were just the O-Ring and a dust seal. 400 is a huge rip off. There was probably moisture in there and a little rust built up on the piston causing it to tear the O-Ring. Clean up the piston, toss in new seals and good to go.

Nobody 'rebuilds' their own calipers anymore. Why bother when a beautiful factory rebuilt unit is $71?

I'm wondering if salt, winter slush, and lack of use because of regen has created a corrosion or pitting of the piston surface.

The seals protect the piston from the environment.
What goes bad is the grease in the floating caliper 'sliders'. If these parts get sticky the caliper doesn't float and center itself on the disc as the pads wear.
All cars need these sliders cleaned and re-lubed before the pads wear out,,, generally,,, but especially on Hybrids, PHEV's and BEV's.

Of course this is not what the OP is talking about. His is leaking brake fluid.

Cheap Fix. Especially if the pads didn't get wet with fluid.

 

[Prohidium]

it does seem a bit high but maybe they are doing additional service such as cleaning and lubing the other 3?

 

[turboguy327]

it does seem a bit high but maybe they are doing additional service such as cleaning and lubing the other 3?

Even at that, add another half hour of labor...

OP, the dealer is ripping you off hardcore.

 

[Aus1]

I'm wondering if salt, winter slush, and lack of use because of regen has created a corrosion or pitting of the piston surface.

More like absorbed moisture in the DOT 3 or DOT4 brake fluid.
Could also be a dud seal = rare.

Reason why I flush the brake fluid every 2 years or 40,000Km per old Australian / Japanese car maintenance schedule and guess what..., re lube slides & even with high end of life km's and keeping vehicles 15+ I've never had to replace any brake hydraulic components ever.

Other people who have skimped on brake fluid flushes (Or their workshop never ever actually performed them) have needed a bank loan for a HUGE brake job besides the usual pads and discs - which on a BEV EV we should never wear out

What I do see is some vehicles much worse than others - maybe the venting of the brake fluid reservoir ?
Think the Volts (2013) does a better job than most - when changed at 2 years...... (remember there is also the ABS which is also difficult to flush without a dealer computer and thorough technician).

GM schedule 5 years .... too late as it can be a cloud corrosion soup from moister ingress over time by then.