bhuwan

I purchased the brakes from Swell Lexus (rear pads) and simply need them replaced (30K service => rotors were already resurfaced).

One local dealer refuses to replace brake pads since I didn't buy it from them
anther will do it but wants to charge $300 for labor -- which is way too much !

Any suggestions on a good reliable place to get the brake pads replaced? I was thinking of taking it to a Toyota dealership (or VIP, NTB, Sullivan Tire) -- community advice would be nice :-)

Edit: was also thinking of doing it myself as I'm pretty good w/ my hands

Edit2: the rotors weren't resurfaced

The G Man

Pads are easy, almot any Midas or gas station can do it. If you dont trust those guys, try to find a independent Toyota or Lexus mechanic. There are quite a few of them in MA.

EyeKutr

iTrader: (5)

You should take it to Toyota and tell them you want to use OEM TMC pads which you have supplied. You need the rotors resurfaced. How many miles are on the car anyways?

bhuwan

Any suggestions on an independent in the BOS area?

bhuwan

30,509 to be exact - I wonder if the Toyota dealership wud do it. Ijust came from Herb Chambers -- he's charging nearly the same amt. as a lexus dealership !! $99 for an oil change ($139 on m y lexus) - $399 for 30K ($425 for my lexus) -- that's insane!!

EyeKutr

iTrader: (5)

31k miles and you need new pads in the rear ?? that is a bit weird, especially on the 06 gs300 since we have the regular pads, my front went 43k miles and rears are still 1/2 at 46K

are you sure they need to be done or you just want to get it done?

The G Man

I dont know any independent. You can try Lexus of Watertown, but they might be expensive too. Prime Toyota in West Roxbury is pretty reasonable and they do good work, ask them for a estimate.

bhuwan

Both NTB and LEx of Watertown suggested replacement -- they are at 3mm.

osx-addict

I've got <30K miles on my 06 GS300 and just the other day the right rear wheel sounds like metal on metal when doing slow-but steady braking.. Since this car has disc brakes all around (front+back) -- shouldn't there be a spring/finger on there to let me know when its getting about time for replacement pads like just about every other vehicle I've owned? I'm going to be pissed if I take the wheel apart and it is in fact metal on metal and that my rotor is chewed up good.

Also -- any good places to get the replacement pads aside from the local dealer? I've used Sewell in the past but am not sure I can wait for delivery since I don't want to drive the car in the current condition -- my only other vehicle is my 96 Chevy P/U truck that sucks gas (~10mpg in town). Also -- can I just replace the pads and use the old shims et-al? I see that Lexus sells them piecemeal instead of included like everyone else -- seems like brakes are an expensive piece on this care, costing >$100 for rear alone if you replace shims+fittings + pads. I can do the same thing on our old crappy Honda Ody for about 1/2 that. I guess I should quit crying since I bought a performance car -- huh!?