Steelers12

Hey guys - I hope you can shed some light. There is a squeal noise (can't tell where it's coming from though - but sounds like the front of my car), when I drive at a low speed. When I'm braking I don't hear it... But when I'm in the parking garage at work where everything echoes as I accelerate I hear it squeal but then it stops when I brake. It's a 2007 IS 250 and has 108,000 miles. I've read a few confusing threads. I don't know the difference between a timing belt or a timing chain. I've read you don't change them so I'm not sure if it's a belt or chain making the noise ... So here I am asking you experts to explain what you all think it could be. I'm a girl so be nice Oh, and I bought it used and am not sure of the service history. I got it at 90,000. Whoever had it before me didn't service it regularly at Lexus. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!!

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

Are you sure it is from the engine? I think the noise might comes from the brake pads. Does it happen when you first start the car? It might be the cold brake making noise.

Steelers12

Thanks for responding. I can't be certain it is coming from the engine. Just sounds like from the front of my car. My commute to work is almost an hour so it has plenty of time to warm up. I hear it when I'm pulling into the parking garage at my office. Everything echoes in the garage. And it only happens when I'm accelerating. It doesn't happen when I'm stopped or when I'm applying the brake. Just when the car is moving. I'm going to open the hood when I get home tonight and have my son step on the gas and see if I can tell where it's coming from. Will check back in later!!

MDHLexus

iTrader: (5)

Its probably one of the belts. Most likely the AC

Ants350

iTrader: (1)

Try to get a video up or something.

Steelers12

Hey all - I was hoping it would do it while in park and while accelerating so I could get a video and you could hear it. However, I called Lexus and the service advisor said it was probably the brake sensor telling me I need pads. He said it would be $550 for pad and rotors or $300 for pads. I told him I would probably take it to Toyota because I bought it used from Toyota and they usually service it for me. He then preceded to scare the crap out of me by telling me not to take it to Toyota because they would use Toyota pads which are bigger than Lexus pads, and that in order to make the larger pads fit, Toyota would throw away the important brake clips that hold the pads in place. He said he sees it all the time and that I would end up back at Lexus to get them fixed properly. Anyone here ever heard of that???? Am I making a mistake having Toyota do my brakes instead of Lexus? I'm sure other Lexus owners take their cars to Toyota or even their own backyard or mom & pop shops for brakes and their cars are fine. I just don't want to make a mistake and take it somewhere other than Lexus and end up spending more money in the long run....

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

That is what I thought in the beginning: It is the brakes making noise. In this case, it seems the pads are wearing out.

Ignore all what they said. For your 2007 IS250, I would highly recommend ceramic Akebono pads which are QUIET, DUSTLESS, and DURABLE. Buy it online from somewhere such as link below and then bring them to reputable shop that service brakes including both Toyota and Lexus dealership and let them charge your labor only. In your case, your Toyota dealer should be fine. Just make sure you tell them to use the pads you bring.

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...e_pad_set.html
There are 2 sets: front and rear. I think you should change all together.

LABOR cost to change ALL 4 pads varies from 100 to 300 depending on the shops. Anything beyond 300 is rip off.

Steelers12

Thank you FSportIS!! And then make sure the Toyota dealer uses the clips that are on there and doesn't throw them away, correct? They would still need these clips that Lexus mentioned, right??

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

Technically, i think they mean these two items:
1. Brake fitting kits such as in the link here http://is.sewellparts.com/accessorie...2007/1921.html
2. Shim kits such as http://is.sewellparts.com/accessorie...2007/1918.html

Both of these items, in generally, should be replaced at the same time when you change the pads to prevent brake noise. You can keep them if they are not that worn out though. The Akebono pads I recommend come with shims so you only need the brake fitting kits but you can still keep the old ones. I used the old fitting kits with Akebono pads without any problem on both my cars.

Also, the Akebono pads have exact OEM Lexus pads size so they fit perfectly. Many members on here use them and love these pads. You will notice a LOT LESS dust and a lot more quiet!