Tuxlex

Changing of the brake pads on the IS350 is the easiest of
any vehicle that I have ever done. The calipers do not
need to be removed and all that is required is a needle
nose plier. The pads slip out the top of the calipers.
There is latch pin that needs to be pulled out with the
pliers to release the cross pin that hold the pads in the
caliper housing. Unless your rotors are scored from wearing
the pads down to the metal backing, there is no need
to resurface the rotors.

I decided to go with the TSB replacement pads. After
having them installed for a two weeks now, there is no more
dust on the front wheels as there is on the rears. I can now
go two weeks between car washes instead of twice a week.

The original pads only wore less than 1/8 of an inch after
10,000 miles. So they would probably be good for 30
to 40,000 miles. However, there was a surprisingly large
amount of wear on the rotor, evident by a step at the outer
edge. This was nothing to worry about since the rotors
are unusually thick. But I feel that the black dust on the
wheels was probably the rotor wear. There is no more black
dust with the new TSB pads.

As an added benefit, these pads do not grab as violently
as the originals. This allows for smoother more progresive
engagement. It seems to be a lot easier to modulate. At
the same time, I don't believe it affects stopping power.

(Note the GS430, GS300 application marking on the box)