RXRider13

Hello Everyone,

Does anyone have any experience using after market brakes on Rx300's or any Lexus. I just recently became an owner of an '02 Rx300 and I do all of my own maintenance. I'm just trying to get a feel for what works and what doesn't.

Thank you,

gazi001

Welcome to the forum. Yes you could. I like akebeno cermic pads. They very good. You could get from Rockauto with good price.

RXRider13

Thank you. I appreciate the help.

fastnoypi

I changed my worn out OEM set to a set of Centric posi-quiet ceramic pads. They are very good, low dust, no noise, feel like OEM and around 40 for the front set.

nipponbird

Always interested to try out something else fastnoypi, but will the rotor wear be the same with them as with the OEM pads?

salimshah

As long as the seller checks for compatibility the replacement should work.

So what is the prime motivation for looking for after market? Price, performance....

I like the oems as they do not make too much dust. They are not as hard as ceramic so they dont last that long, but are less harsh on the rotors. I am closing in on 200k and never had a need to turn rotors. Always have used oem pads .... no complaints.

Salim

ATLs460

I've tried a few different pads. My current Akebono ceramics are noticeably the best.

fastnoypi

Its been 15-17k miles since i installed them, no noticeable aggressive rotor wear on Centric C-Tek rotors. My sister predominately uses the RX and she is not the smoothest driver and a late braker. It sees alot of high speed highway miles trail braking in traffic between philly and DC as well as city traffic.


FWIW, i've been told that new OEM stock pads are formulated with ceramic now, instead of the old semi-metallic pad.

While looking for other pads, ..just stay away from pads that are carbon or have a high percent metallic. They are used for racing applications, will eat up your rotor and need to heat up to have initial cold bite.

fastnoypi

you are one lucky guy. I had to turn the original set of rotors with the oem pads at 70k. I noticed uneven wear contributed to a sticking brake upfront. Luckily the rebuild seals are cheap and its and easy fix!

RXRider13

I'm new to owning a Lexus and I wanted to get a feel of what worked and what doesn't. I know not to get cheap aftermarket. But wasn't sure about which direction to go in. I know OEM is always a good choice but can get pricey. I still have plenty of time before I have to change the brakes. I appreciate all the info.

artbuc

Never thought I would be happy with any aftermarket pads. A few times over the decades I have experimented with hi-end aftermarket pads and none came close to the overall performance of OEM. But, I have to say my current experience with Akebono has been very good and I would not hesitate to buy them again. For rotors, Centric premiums with the e-coated hat are sweet. Have installed them 3x on my and friend's cars and they have all been perfect.

hypervish

+1 for Akebono! Excellent pads!