LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

One expensive bolt

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Old 03-11-13, 11:21 AM
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mfaile
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Default One expensive bolt

Wifes car needed brake rotors and pads changed so I figured I'd save myself a few bucks and do it myself. I've done enough brake jobs where I should be able to do them in my sleep. Well, not this one. There are 2 caliper mounting bolts on the rear calipers that hold it to the hub. Top one came out without an issue. Bottom one seemed really tight so I grabbed a cheater bar to put a little extra pressure on it. Used mild force and it didn't budge. Manned up on it a little and it felt like it turned. Repositioned bar for another pull and SNAP. Broke off the lower bolt. Took the car to a local mechanic this morning to see if he could drill it out or extract. No luck as he broke 2 easy outs in the process. He said he thought it was cross threaded at the factory as these were the original rotors. Found the part online at Lexus of South Atlanta for $300 and the bolt for $6. Now it looks like a 5.5 hour job to replace the assembly. This has turned out to be quite the expensive brake job! Anyone had a similar experience with these bolts? Ruined my afternoon!

Last edited by mfaile; 03-11-13 at 11:22 AM. Reason: grammar
Old 03-11-13, 01:23 PM
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RA40
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Can't speak for this specific part though I've had similar encounters in the DIY maintenance stuff. I share in the frustration and what was supposed to be a quick job turns into $$ and a multi-day project.

When the wife asks me how long I'm going to be, she multiplies the time and cost by about 3X.
Old 03-11-13, 04:01 PM
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Rowdiggty
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I had this issue with mine, ended up replacing the rear knuckle. You need to heat the knuckle where the bolt is at and carefully and slowly remove the bolt. It was frustrating for sure but with a little luck and patience you can get it done!
Old 03-11-13, 05:32 PM
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Dawa
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wow thats ridiculous. i would approach lexus about it even if they didnt do anything about it at least i would know that i tried
Old 03-11-13, 09:51 PM
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levie
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wow thats crazy. sorry about your luck man.
Old 03-12-13, 11:01 AM
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john339
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Check Sewell for the parts. Log in as a forum member and you will get a discount.
Old 03-12-13, 11:33 AM
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mfaile
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Sewell, as well as my local Lexus dealership was $396, Lexus of South Atlanta was $300?? Found them thru a web search. All parts seem to be heavily discounted versus other Lexus dealers.
Old 03-12-13, 03:15 PM
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Dawa
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you could bring the part to a machinist to fill,and retap that bolt hole for much cheaper. also if you find a hardware store (bolt store, not home depot/lowes/similar) you might be able to get that bolt for a dollar or less, grade 8.8, zinc plated
Old 03-13-13, 07:01 AM
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Natey2
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Do professional 3rd-party brake shops run into these kind of problems as well, or is it just DIY'ers? Apparently Lexus must know something, since they don't encounter this issue?
Old 03-13-13, 06:36 PM
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Rowdiggty
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Originally Posted by Natey2
Do professional 3rd-party brake shops run into these kind of problems as well, or is it just DIY'ers? Apparently Lexus must know something, since they don't encounter this issue?
You have to heat the knuckle with a torch and back it out slowly. It tends to get corroded in there and there might have been "loctite" on the bolts as well.
I broke the first one on the left side, ended up replacing the knuckle. On the right side I heated it with a torch and backed it out slow. Just be careful and go slow.
Old 03-13-13, 07:02 PM
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Dawa
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this problem wouldnt be limited to just diyers.
it would be something rare that mechanic shops and lexus themselves would encounter.
as for the bolt corroding in there, i wouldnt think there would be that much corroding in a ls430,
and im not saying that automotive manufacturers dont using locking compound, but ive never ran into it.
even so, i think the locking compound, even it were red, would give before the bolt.
Old 03-13-13, 09:15 PM
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Rowdiggty
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Originally Posted by ProperD
this problem wouldnt be limited to just diyers.
it would be something rare that mechanic shops and lexus themselves would encounter.
as for the bolt corroding in there, i wouldnt think there would be that much corroding in a ls430,
and im not saying that automotive manufacturers dont using locking compound, but ive never ran into it.
even so, i think the locking compound, even it were red, would give before the bolt.
There was lots of corrosion in both of my bottom bolts and there was blue "loctite" on mine. Our 430s are great cars but certainly not immune to corrosion. My car is a northeast car...
Lexus techs what is your experience changing rear rotors on the 430???
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