Ripper

Would you let Midas do the brake service on your Lex. I just bought a GS430 that has steering wheel shake under braking from 40mph+. I took it right to the dealer for the 30K service, knowing I needed brake work but I wanted the dealer to go over my ride.

Anyway, the dealer is quoting $385/axle to turn the rotors and replace the pads. I just past the state inspection but the inspector told me I would need rear pads very soon. I figure most of the vibration is from the fronts since it is transmitted mostly through the steering wheel. If supply the Lexus pads, shouldn't Midas be able to perform this work without problems?

Let me know what you think.
Thanks

TLW

i would say yes they are very easy to do

supply the pads and ask them if they have ever worked on a Lexus GS before

just to set your mind at ease

i do my own brakes ...and these are pretty standard as far as brakes go

good luck

VVT-i

Make sure you tell them to transfer the shims from the old pads. Most of the independent shop they just throw away a set of $60.00 shim kit that come with the OEM. Those shims are there for some reason.
Oh, one more thing. If you supplied them with the Lexus pads please make sure they put the pads in correct direction. The front pads on the GS are cutted at the bottom end of the pads to reduce noise.The cutted grooves are facing down ward.

Ripper

Thanks, guys. That's the info I needed.

CantSeeMe

midas did my pads and rotors on my sc300 in Sept, and it seems like its fine-I have no complaint

xravexboix

Midas does't have training programs for their guys... the guys that worked on your car probably have done it before.

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Ask to watch them in the shop when they are doing the job. I've seen a few GS come in for brake pads (new AFTERMARKET ones) because they are upside down

Steering "shimmy" usually means the front rotors are starting to get hot spots... so make sure they get machined too... I normally change my own pads, but take it to a shop if they need to be machined (or "turned" as some places word it)

Also, make sure it's Genuine Toyota pads you use... not all, but a lot of aftermarket brands seem to warp the rotors (seen on ES, not sure about your GS)

Ripper

My car is at Midas right now. I left the midas pads with them this morning and I spoke to the manager by phone before and during the install to make sure they get it right. They did a lot of work on my Maxima before so they know me and I trust them...mostly. Anyway, they are reusing the stock shims and they putting the pads groove-side down.

This thread has been a lot of help. I'll let you know how it turns out.