twister

Had my oil change today, as part of 70k service. Brakes were checked as well, have 7mm on front (those were replaced twice under “dust” and later “squeaking” service bulletins) and 5mm on rear. My driving is mostly on highway, so it might take awhile before I get to 3mm threshold for replacement. Here is a dilemma. I have this blessing’n’curse $500 Lexus Visa debit card which can only be used at Lexus. No plans to invest into any more mods, so I was hopping to use it for brake replacement toward the end of the year before $500 expire. Dealership quoted me $800 for front/rear brakes, shims, and rotors resurfacing. I called another Lex dealership, got a quote of $750. Local Midas and even Toyota dealership will do it for $400-$450. My dealer agreed to discount it down to $729, but still it’s so much money!!! I mean, I would just have to pay $229 difference, but still I was hoping for 0 out-of-pocket cost. Brake change its one of those DIY I wouldn’t trust to do myself. I do trust dealership, but feel like crap knowing I will be overpaying. What do you guys think? Anybody had both front/rear brakes replaced at Lexus and got a deal better than $729? What would be a reasonable price for this job? If I go with outside place, any suggestions how to spend these $500 at dealership without going over the limit?

msgs350

iTrader: (2)

Why didnt you use the $500 for the 70k service? Did you get the 60k done? My 60k service was almost $800! I think $729 isnt too bad (including tax) for the brake job especially if i had a $500 credit.

Bavaria

What have you got against getting it done at a Toyota dealership?

peewhy

iTrader: (1)

wow thats alot i did mine for 66 bucks

peewhy

iTrader: (1)

might i add its REAL simple.. just need basic tools and takes about good 20 mins or less.. did mine front and back with in 15 mins.

msgs350

iTrader: (2)

OP has the $500 Lexus/Visa gift card that can only be used at a Lexus Dealership.

Arantant

Maybe just get the front brakes done??

LIMS407

think u can actually use the gift card at toyota dealership as well,,,i got parts from my local toyota with my gift card,,,

twister

Unless your Toyota dealership associated with Lexus (the same dealer selling different cars), they can not use gift card since it requires a special authorization code only available by Lexus. I have checked into that already. 60k service cost me $200 since I replaced engine and a/c filters myself, spark plugs wasn't necessary to replace (ours last for 120k), and tire rotation/alignment done for free by Firestone where I got my tires. 70k service was the usual $52 for oil change including all the typical multi-point inspection they do anyway. I was saving that Lexus $500 Visa for something big.

For those who suggested about doing it yourself, what tools do you need and how much did you pay for parts (front/rear set, and shims), and how easy is it to resurface rotors? Would I be able to do that jacking up one wheel as a time? I still don't think I would do it myself, but perhaps it could give me an idea for how much in parts and tools I have to spend, considering I don't have any tools for car stuff now. At least this way I can justify adding $200 on top of $500 Visa card to get everything done, versus spending $200-$300 in parts and tools and doing it myself without having any idea how lol!!!

Arantant

Check the thread on IS350 brakes. It's the same steps. You need jack stands (easier to do both sides at the same time) and a C clamp. Last time, I just didn't worry about the rotor and just change the pads... at some point I'll either replace the entire rotor or take it off and get it resurfaced at a shop.

twister

Good pointer about IS brakes DIY! It was an informative reading Looking at Sewellparts, including front/rear brakes and shims, it will run about $200 in parts. Getting other tools necessary for DIY might be another $50-$60. I guess if I look at it that I will have to spend $250 out of pocket plus $500 Lex credit for the same, it makes sense to do it at Lexus dealership, but damn - they will be pocketing $500 for labor

Arantant

No need to buy brake pads from dealer. I bought some Duralast ceramics for like $50 or so for the front pads/shims plus some brake grease... I like them better than OEM and a lot less dusty.

ImStricken

Twister, grab some pads, and swing by my house. we'll throw them on & bleed your brakes at the same time.
You dont need to resurface your rotors unless they are warped (steering wheel shakes when you press the brakes)

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

this thread is over 6 months old, i hope he changed the pads by now

ImStricken

nothing seizes to amaze me



can you imagine what these must have sounded like? hahah