FL Vs PFL rear brake calipers

[ihs61]

Hi

I have a facelift MR2 (July 2005) and have an issues with the rear calipers, the well documented poor hand brake issue. I have fitted re-build kit from big red but I have never been 100% happy so I have decided to buy two new calipers.

After looking on the net I have noticed that many companys list the calipers to fit - 1999 to 2007, thus implying that the PFL and FL calipers are the same.
However only Brakes international list 1999/2002 (5 speed) and 2003/2007 (6 speed) as differant parts,typcally the FL ones are more expensive.

Can anyone clarify if the calipers are interchangable between the years ?

Many thanks Ian

[Topdownman]

I cant answer your question but I have had brakeparts international calipers on 2 FL cars and have been happy with them (and the price of them) so would tend to trust them over firms that just sell one part for all.

The handbrake cables are different though so this does suggest something changed.

[Call the midlife!]

They're interchangeable across the production range, I get the same part coming back if I search for my 2000 or my 06.
There was a point in time where Toyota discontinued a lot of parts and re coded others so that could be a reason, same part but manufactured as a pattern part with a different code.
I'm not even sure one of the mk2s doesn't use the same rear caliper but might be misremembering that one.

[ihs61]

Thank you guys for your replys,

If the calipers are the same as stated by 'call the midlife', why are the handbrake cables different (sligtly different lengths)
I do recal reading somewhere that the rear cross members are interchangeable but the FL version does has an extra clip/s for the brake cable, so maybe a tad more length was needed  - 'Oh er madam'

Ian

[Gaz mr-s]

Thank you guys for your replys,

If the calipers are the same as stated by 'call the midlife', why are the handbrake cables different (sligtly different lengths)
I do recal reading somewhere that the rear cross members are interchangeable but the FL version does has an extra clip/s for the brake cable, so maybe a tad more length was needed  - 'Oh er madam'

Ian

Yep, it's because of the extra FL bracing.

[Ardent]

I cant answer your question but I have had brakeparts international calipers on 2 FL cars and have been happy with them (and the price of them) so would tend to trust them over firms that just sell one part for all.

+1

[Topdownman]

You could ring BI and ask them what the difference is?

[Petrus]

The handbrake cables are different though so this does suggest something changed.

On my PFL the OEM cable could do with a few cm more to better clear the TRD lower arm braces I added.
Perhaps Toyota thought so too?

[Ardent]

I do recal reading somewhere that the rear cross members are interchangeable but the FL version does has an extra clip/s for the brake cable, so maybe a tad more length was needed  - 'Oh er madam'

Ian

You can use an FL subframe on a PFL but not vice versa.

[ihs61]

Many thanks to all for your words of wisdom, so the answer to my quesion is PFL & FL calipers are the same ! In which case has anyone fitted a calipers assigned as suitable for 1999 to 2007 (as most are) to specifically a FL.

The reason why I am double checking is that my MR2 is at my holiday home in France.

Thanks Ian