? for you experts. Did my mechanic screw up?
 

(Car is 2006 TL manual trans with 80k miles.)

Here's a classic example of why it pays to learn at least some basics about repair work. Sadly, what I know about this stuff could be engraved on the head of a pin.

A month ago I had a "complete" brake job, i.e. pads and rotors from a shop I've used for a long time. All was well until two weeks later (and 500+ miles from home) when I'm coming down from 4300 feet on a twisting road and the pedal almost goes to the floor. Pumping them allowed me to gain some measure of control but it wasn't fun.

Took the car in to a seemingly reliable shop (per reviews on a popular site) and they said I had a locked up caliper on the rear driver's side and they had to replace it and the pad. They said it would be 450 for one side or 650 for both. I opted both.

So, questions are 1) should the mechanics that did the original brake job have noticed and replaced the bad caliper? 2) Before I disclose what I paid for each job I'd be curious to hear what those in fairly big cities are paying for these repairs.

I feel like I should talk about the original shop but not even sure what to ask.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Good post..did you get any post answers from any members?

Yes
 

Yes, they did. As in a lot of cases they were somewhat all over the board and I'm not really sure I learned anything.

I did sell that car last week, though.