GX - 1st Gen (2003-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2003 -2009 GX470 models

Help! Why does my rotors warp in about a year?

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Old 06-24-15, 12:21 PM
  #16  
kphu
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Originally Posted by vxphan
How many miles is your car, and have you ever replace rear brake rotors and pads? If it is over 100K miles, consider to replace the rear brakes. That is what I did to my GX and fixed the pulsing issue.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...ml#post9041818

Enjoys,
I have 120K on the odom and have replaced the pads in the rear. Don't think I ever replaced the rotors back there though.

Originally Posted by BradTank
This is definitely an issue that can lead to frequently warped rotors. Many impact guns can put several hundred foot lbs in there.

Most "good" tire shops make their techs either use a torque wrench (best) or torque sticks (better than nothing)

Get a $12 torque wrench at Harbor Freight and put them in at 85 ft lbs.

To just pound them in with an impact gun until it stops is almost a guarantee you're going to have issues with your rotors.
I picked one up last year at as you suggested Harbor Freight so i'll be sure to use it.

Thanks
Old 06-24-15, 12:26 PM
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kphu
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Originally Posted by DaveGS4
Googled rather than writing



Read more : http://www.ehow.com/about_5672302_ov...ke-rotor_.html
That certainly puts things into perspective. Never occurred to me the lugs would flex but it does explain why it would cause rotors to warp. Almost sounds like the manufacturer can improve on the design of how the caliper mounts so it flexes in the same manner as the rotor...of course that's much easier said then done!
Old 06-24-15, 04:01 PM
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vxphan
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Originally Posted by kphu
I have 120K on the odom and have replaced the pads in the rear. Don't think I ever replaced the rotors back there though.


I picked one up last year at as you suggested Harbor Freight so i'll be sure to use it.

Thanks
you must replace both rear rotors and pads, not only the pads. I did the same thing and ran into problem until I replace rotors and pads. Don;t let the rotor intimidate you, it's looks good and smooth, does not mean within specs.
Old 06-25-15, 07:16 AM
  #19  
kphu
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Originally Posted by vxphan
you must replace both rear rotors and pads, not only the pads. I did the same thing and ran into problem until I replace rotors and pads. Don;t let the rotor intimidate you, it's looks good and smooth, does not mean within specs.
bummer, looks like I have another big expense coming up. rotors and pads all around...

Any input on changing just 1 caliper as oppose to changing both?
Old 06-25-15, 07:35 AM
  #20  
vxphan
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Originally Posted by kphu
bummer, looks like I have another big expense coming up. rotors and pads all around...

Any input on changing just 1 caliper as oppose to changing both?

Kphu, don't thew the part to the front and caliper yet. Just do the rear completely and see if improvement. That will save you money. I replaced the rear with OEM pads and EBC rotors only cost me $150 parts.
Old 06-25-15, 08:50 PM
  #21  
shyguyF
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did you use the torque wrench when putting each wheel back to the axles ? 85 f/lb for the lug nuts of gx470 .
Old 06-29-15, 05:04 AM
  #22  
kamlung
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you can always have the rotors turned (skimmed) if they are still within minimum spec... i've found that with heavier trucks/SUVs, the brakes can't handle the heat... so first chance i get at replacing the brakes, always go with a better pad... as someone mentioned in an earlier post, you will get a lot more brake dust, but at least it prolongs the rotor a bit... heat is the enemy so do everything you can to try and disperse it, especially on a 5000 truck...

and also, nowadays with the Made in China crap rotors, they don't last as long... everything is just one time use throwaway, so pop for a slightly better brand (i like Raybestos)
Old 07-09-15, 09:25 AM
  #23  
techrep
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EBC rotors and Hawk LTS pads work awesome on my 09 GX...
Old 08-03-15, 09:09 AM
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cruzinZ
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I had the same issue on a previous vehicle. My problem ended up being a stuck caliper. I would suggest getting a good quality set of rotors, pads and rebuilding the calipers.

Originally Posted by kphu
I'm not sure why but in the past 3 years my front rotors warped 3 times even though I replaced the pads and the rotors all three times. I bled the brakes after changing them. I bought the rotors from my local auto parts store.

Any suggestions or insight as to what's going on?

Thx

Ken
Old 08-03-15, 12:32 PM
  #25  
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spot on....
Old 10-12-23, 04:11 PM
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1. Cheap rotors (auto parts stores don't sell high-end). Get a good brand. I've had ART cryo frozen rotors on my LX470 for 17 years, and there is little sign of wear! Just installed Stoptech slotted rotors on my LS. I'd probably avoid Powerstop (seems too cheap to be true?); EBC slotted rotors have gotten good reviews, too. You can also try frozenrotors.com. They told me they use Akebono blanks, slot them, then cryo freeze.
2. Did you bed in the brake pads? Many times when ppl think rotors are warped because they are grabbing, it's because of uneven brake compound deposited on the rotor surface. You also have to get the rotor up to temperature (like 500C), should have a bluish color if correctly bedded. What pads are you using?
Old 10-12-23, 05:39 PM
  #27  
ALAN553
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The rotors and calipers are under sized for the GX, they heat up, rotors heat up, brake pad material coats the rotors and they shudder. 2010 Gx460, Lexus upgraded the front brakes, larger calipers and rotors….you can use the same parts in 470…makes a big difference
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