joeykayee

Hi all,
This is my first post to this forum, but I have kept my eyes on this forum since I got my GS 3 years ago. This is the most helpful Lexus website that I found. Thank you for all the helpful information.
Back to my question, I took my car to the dealer for 60K service yesterday. I was told that my car rear brake pads have only 2.5mm left and need immediate brake pads change. The dealer quoted me $335 for changing rear brake pads and resurface rotors. I checked with the previous forums and said that I can buy the OEM rear brake pads online and find some local shop to install them. However, I just moved to Colorado and don't know any trusted local brake shop.
My 1st question, anyone has any recommendation on local brake shop in Colorado? I am afraid to bring my car to those bad review chains (big o tires or just brake) and they may ruin my brakes.
My 2nd question is, do I need to buy a pair of shims with the rear brake pads to prevent the pads making noise?
Thank you very much in advance.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

you don't need to resurface your rotors thats just mumbo jumbo and the brake pads are simple to install, just do a search of DIY threads on Brake change. On the places to go can't help you their.

lkapimp216

iTrader: (2)

all you need is a socket set and a "C" clamp and about 20 mins pull the wheel off, loosen the top caliper bolt "C" clamp the the old pad and caliper to depress the piston and clip the new pads in with brake juice and bolt her back up!

Ap1_Alan

iTrader: (1)

Rears dont exactly work that way, that's how you would change the front pads though.

rear pads are held in by pins. Remove the holding pins with pliers, remove sliding pins, unbolt the caliper, compress the piston, grease the sliding pins, then put everything back with new pads.

You do not need to buy new shims, you can use your existing shims.

Here's a DIY from the IS forums, its the same thing for the Gs rears
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...s-of-pics.html

lkapimp216

iTrader: (2)

^^^YEAH what he said!!!

GS350Lexus

iTrader: (5)

Dude go on sewellparts.com make an account with them ( gets you a nice clublexus discount) order the rear brakes, take a few beers, do a search on rear breaks DIY in our DIY section and ure good to go. Simple as that.

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

yea pads are very simple to do and any dealership always charges an arm and a leg. you can get pads for approx 60-70 bucks and spend an hour of your day doing it yourself. if you dont feel comfortable, you can take it some where but independent shops are just as bad as dealers when it comes to changing brakes.

MadDawg350

Like others have said, it a simple DIY that will save you HUNDREDS. Total cost for me was $70. $30 of that amount was for a bottle of scotch. Just make sure that you use caliper grease on all the contact points, pins, shims.

sxwk12

Just changed my rear brakes yesterday. Very simple. 10-15 minutes each side. Helps to have a impact wrench. Also got rid of the locking lug nuts. They were always a pain in the butt to get off. I actually broke the key and one of the locks yesterday. Took it to the local dealership and they took them off for free. Paid $8.00 for 4 regular lug nuts. It's always good to know people at the dealership. To get the pins off that Ap1 Alan is talking about, you have to remove a clip like thing holding the pins. Once again, VERY EASY job to do!

joeykayee

Thank you for all replies.
After I read the comments and the DIY post, I would like to try to install the rear brake pad by myself. Sorry that I didn't mention to you that I am girl who has no experience on fixing car, except for changing a flat tire My other question is how do I know if I installed the pad right and the brakes perform well? My main concern is the safety issue. Thank you.

username32

Dayum $335? $335 can buy you new pair of rotors and pads instead resurfacing the old ones! You could always take it to the Toyota dealer if you want it done cheaper.

GS350Lexus

iTrader: (5)

First girl I noticed on 3GS forum, SICK!!!! Well the way you would know everything is good by taking a test drive and having good brake feel in the pedal. Then just to make sure you can take off a wheel and look that everything is in place after a nice test drive. If you we're close I would of defiantly helped you .

joeykayee

I finally got my brake pads installed yesterday. I found a Toyota dealer to install the pads with only $103 for labor including brake test. Thank you for all of your help.