mbarron37

I know there are countless opinions on brake pads for the LS 460, but am having difficulty on the parts that will actually fit my car. I have decided to replace all pads and rotors and just do myself. Well that is a lie, my brother is actually going to do the work since he knows what he is doing!

I have a 2011 LS460L AWD. I have looked online at several retailers and am just not sure if what I am buying is meant for the AWD version. Can someone point me to a good website that can clearly state the parts that do fit the L version and AWD? I don't care about brand, as long as it is high quality and better than OEM. Lexus dealership wants to charge $1,800+ to replace all pads and rotors.

I also have to replace a sensor and it seems that at least one pad has breached the low point of the pad.

Thanks for your help

Tec80

Akebono are awesome pads, reasonably priced. They don't make them to fit Brembo yet, otherwise I'd run them on my LS.

Front:

Rear:

mbarron37

Do these fit the AWD or just the RWD? I thought that I read the AWD uses bigger brakes than the RWD. Also, do I need a kit, as there are currently original pads on the car. These pads look good and I have seen good reviews on CL. Thanks for your help

mbarron37

I think I'm confusing myself. I just called my local Lexus dealer and they said no difference if AWD or RWD. The difference is if you have the base or L version. Is that correct? I don't have the sport model. I thought I saw on CL if you had an AWD version that the pads were different compared to the RWD only. Typically I see on parts geek or other websites a choice for base or L with no option to select AWD or RWD. I just want to make sure before I go crazy and start ordering and have to return

roadfrog

Base or L shouldn't matter either.

mbarron37

Ok, one final question. I have the original pads and rotors on my car now. Do I need to buy a kit to fit the Akebono brakes listed above? I know I need the shims, but I think due to changing pad type I might need a hardware kit too. As you can tell I am a virgin at replacing pads and rotors. As long as I have all parts needed my brother should be ready to go, but don't want to have an oh ***** moment if I am missing needed parts.

is150

iTrader: (10)

I recommend buying the hardware kit. That way you can put all new on. My shims and clips came off fine but I've heard of some members whose broke.
Don't forget to unplug the battery, wait five minutes prior to starting the brake work.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...es%20LS460.pdf

Chuckwagon

Any confusion would be easy to understand. You may have seen references to the difference between RWD cars equipped with the Touring package vs cars without it. In earlier model years, the Touring package added 19" wheels and bigger brakes. So for models where that option was available, there was a difference in brakes. But I'm pretty sure they had dropped the Touring package as an option by 2011, though you could still get 18" or 19" wheels on RWD models depending on if you got the Appearance Package. But I think AWD cars came with 19" wheels by default. So there should only be one brake option for the AWD models. If the parts say they are for the AWD, then they should be good.

Chuck

roadfrog

Not necessary. OP is only changing out pads and maybe rotors - neither of which requires disconnecting brake lines and subsequent brake bleeding.

Chuckwagon

While disconnecting the battery is not "required" to complete a brake job, it is recommended as part of the procedure by Lexus. Here are a couple of notes from the procedure that are relevant to this discussion:

So while it isn't strictly "needed," you can do the job if you exercise care, it can help avoid issues to disconnect the battery before doing the brakes, and it won't hurt to play it safe.

Chuck