garsarno

That's the point. When you cut the rotors, you are thinning them and they will return to your original problems. So, if your local garage is doing this, you will pay for the initial dismantling, cutting and reassembly. Better to use this cost against new rotors and their installation. Been there, done that on many cars in the 80's and 90's.

mlacomb

Technically, the labor isn't free - takes time out of my routines. Even if I have nothing better to do, I'd rather not be screwing around with brake rotors that are warped after 2000 miles. It may be foolish to you - but for me, it's saving me time AND annoyances for miles to come. Honestly, new rotors aren't that expensive, especially if you're owning a car the price of the ES, and over 100k I'll maybe put one new set of rotors on. Maybe 2? To each their own.

lanb

I checked at mylexus and looks like the previous owners already got the rotors turned around 20K miles. The car has 50K miles now and I am guessing new rotors are the
only option.

BTW, any other good brand alternatives to the OEM pads and rotors and where would be a
good/cheap source ? I am thinking of taking this to my mechanic as the local
Toyota dealer wants around $1000 for the front and rear rotors+pads job.

mitmaks

Running Hawk pads on our 96ES300, I think I've paid less than $120 for front and back ones. Labor is free, cause I did it myself. I always do brakes myself.

cl206

+1 to mlacomb:
One reason why I rather not machine/turn the rotors is because while it might only cost $20-50 to turn 2 rotors it is the time also that it takes to drive to the machine shop and they might very well say come back tomorrow and now I have no car for a whole day. For my accord and mdx I have used centric premium rotors (very highly rated) and they cost around $45 each so price wise they aren't that much more considering I won't have to touch them for at least 30-40k miles. You need to weigh the savings in turning the rotors versus the time as well.

If you're letting the shop or dealer do the whole brake job, it makes more sense to let them turn them if they can be or should be turned (and I bet many of them will try to convince u to regardless). Brake jobs with new rotors are very expensive at a dealer so people tend to put that off unless it is necessary. If you're dIYing your brake job, replace them or just use them one more time if they're in good shape. I try to get 2 sets of pads per set of rotors.

BTW just to give you an idea, last year I did my 4 rotors and 4 pads on my honda accord and it cost me $190 in parts. Recently I redid all rotors and pads on my mdx and it cost me $275 in parts because I used akebono pads. It isn't time yet for my es350, but I am expecting to change the pads first only if the rotors are in good shape.

Also for me buying new rotors and pads are exciting LOL, it is like buying new sneakers for myself. I get to choose whatever I want. I would hate it if I go into foot locker and they just slap whatever sneaker they want on my feet.

thoevelk

2007 es350 35k miles. rear pads were shot at 35k miles, fronts have at least another 30k miles before they go pad. all you need is a 14mm socket and a 14 mm wrench. remove the 2 bolts holding caliper in place, slip caliper off, pull pads out, place the old shim back on the new pads after you apply with some anti squeak brake lube. do not put the lube on the pads that touch the rotor!!!!!! use a c-clamp and the old brake pad to squeeze the piston back in, put caliper back on, tighten up the bolts and your done. this is a very simple job if you have just a little bit of mechanical ability.
pads cost 5$ at oreily auto parts for the best pads, I did not turn the rotors it did not need it.

ThumperPup

i stopped doing breaks about 10 years ago when i was on I-480 in garfield hts and my breaks didn't work i fU@K up and didnt close the bleeder on the calipers in the front and put it like this the foot felt like i as stepping on air when i was going for the break peddaleill never touch breaks again after that

cl206

Yeah my rears were so shot the car was making the squealing sound. I did exactly just that, slapping on the pads and called it a day. I used OEM pads from Ramsey Lexus and they hooked me up. MUCH cheaper than the local toyota and their prices were about what you'll find online.


That's why you should test them before you go onto the highway

ThumperPup

yeah i thought they where fine stopped a few times before i got on the highway ok guess all the pressure before that bled the system out and then stopped working

tolian21

Called Toyota dealer, front brake pads replacement and rotor resurfacing is $230 plus tax on ES350. They said they use same exact parts, I am guessing we have same pads as Camry.
Lexus dealer was $100 more, not worth the money, it's same stuff

ThumperPup

you might be able to go to the lexus dealer and say look toyota is willing to do it for 230 wana match there price and get it on your books

they might or might night worth a shot but yeah for the extra 100 no way

kenoh228

I have es 350 2007 model. I had front disc problem. I had front disc and pad replaced about 30k miles ago. I paid over $600.00. It needed again. I had it done at a local repair shop. This time I paid $300.00 for the same job to see how it goes. So far so good. The mechanic said it will be good for minimum 30 k miles. By the way it is done in Los Angeles, California .

gindyo

I just replaced all 4 rotors myself. Total cost : $130 + 1 hour of work in my driveway no special tools required... That is why I love Lexus, after market maintenance items are dirt cheep (compared to other luxury brands).