1987 Isuzu Piazza

The front single-piston floating brake calipers on the Piazza frequently suffer from seized sliding guide pins caused by water ingress, road grit, and heat degradation of the rubber pin gaiters. When the pins seize, the floating caliper can no longer centre itself over the rotor, forcing the single piston to push only the inboard pad against the disc. As the inboard pad wears down, the piston must travel excessively far out of its bore, causing extreme spongy pedal travel. Replacement Lotus-specification front discs are now virtually unobtainable, making early pin lubrication critical.

Symptoms: Excessive, spongy brake pedal travel before the brakes begin to bite, Vehicle pulling violently to one side under firm braking on a dry road...

Est. repair cost: £150–£400

The five-speed manual transmission is notorious for premature wear of its layshaft bearings. The fault manifests as a distinct mechanical whining noise audible through the gear lever in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th gears, as well as when idling in neutral with the clutch pedal released. Because 4th gear is direct drive, it bypasses the layshaft and remains quiet. Isuzu specified 10W-30 engine oil rather than standard heavy hypoid gear oil for this gearbox; using incorrect oil drastically accelerates bearing failure.

Symptoms: Prominent whining noise from transmission tunnel in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th gears, Transmission whine audible at idle in neutral that disappears when the clutch pedal is depressed...

Est. repair cost: £350–£850

The driver-side steering rack mounting features a dedicated rubber locating bush that controls lateral displacement of the rack housing. Due to its positioning beneath the engine oil filter and sump flanges, oil leaks frequently saturate this rubber mount. Over time, oil contamination breaks down the vulcanised rubber, turning it soft, sponge-like, and perished. This allows the steering rack to shift sideways across road ruts and cambers, producing unsettling wander and vague on-centre steering.

Symptoms: Vehicle wanders noticeably across uneven road surfaces requiring constant steering corrections, Vague on-centre steering feel and excessive dead travel when driving in a straight line...

Est. repair cost: £90–£240