RX330inFL

With 75K on the car, am guessing I am coming up in the near future on at least replacing the front pads again. They were originally replaced at 40K. Did not turn the rotors as it was not needed. At this point I still have no vibration under braking and the rotors still look good. Leaves me with two questions:

1. Should I worry about the need to replace the rotors since they were not turned previous and more than likely would not be turned this time around either?

2. Does anyone know a source for pre-painted calipers? I saw a previous post where someone had done theirs. Only reason why I am even considering is that the ones on my car are showing rust you can see through the wheels. Would like to clean that up if possible. Figure if I am going to have to take them off the car to be powder coated I might see if someone already has the finished product.

Any input, as always, is appreciated.

mandyfig

To the top, somebody's asking about size of bolts. 14 mm on sliders. Maybe 17 mm on rotor bolts (Lexus turned my rotors).

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

No I wasn't asking about these bolts. I meant the ones that you use to remove the rotors off the hub. But thanks anyway.

mandyfig

Ok, gotcha.

radman2008

Mandyfig:
At 60K on my wife's RX. When my wife took it in for a recall item, the dealer said front brakes are at 3 should be done. They wanted $300+ for each axle - with no rotor issues.
I followed this discussion to the 5th page but wanted to confirm a couple of points:

• Pistons: on 2005 both are push type, not rotating, so I don't need the rotating tool?
• Brake Fluid: some posts suggested changing the fluid completely out after 2 years. Sounds like good advice but what is the correct way to do that?
• Components: The pdfs of the components were from the 2004 RX330 manual. I am assuming these are the same for the 2005?
• Components: the pdfs have indicators that show parts to be replaced & different grease types. Non resualbe parts included items like piston seal, cylinder boot, dust boots, etc. Before buying these, do any of these require special tools to replace?
• Pads & Rotors: If Lexus will do it, I plan on having them turn the rotors. And I plan on using OEM pads from the dealer, which I haven't priced. One post mentioned a source in this forum for parts?

I am a fair 'tim the tool man' and have done brakes in the past on my non-import cars. I plan on doing both axles when I do this. It has been several years and this being my wife's car I want to do the job to the nth degree (so no: "...I told you we should have let the dealer do this...."!)

Your posts and photos were VERY, Very instructional. Thank you in advance for your help and clarification!

mandyfig

Thanks for the compliment.

For your 2005 brakes:

1. They are identical to 2004. Hence what you see, is what you can do.
2. It is really fairly simple and there are no special tools required other than what has been shown.
3. As long as your sliders are moving freely, then you do not need to take apart and re-lube. If you decide to do it, there are lubricants available in your local auto stores. They should be good enough to use on our RX.
4. Pads, I used OEM pads, you can purchase from our supporting vendors, Sewell and Carson and you will get a discount.
5. I suggest you take off the rotors and take it to a reputable shop to get it turned. Again this should not be hard to do. If you do not have vibration when applying the brakes and the rotors look good, no grooves and the there are no serious lips, you should be ok. But this is 60K, get it turned. If the thickness falls below spec (based on your mileage, I doubt it) then you have to get replacement rotors. Again Sewell or Carson should be able to set you up.
6. Rears will be much easier to do, just keep note, they are not designed the same, just follow the DIY. Your rear rotors should last you the life of the car, they are hardly worn.

All in all you should do fine. PM me anytime.

Good luck.

mandyfig

Brake fluids. You can do a 2 person bleeding and can flush out the old fluid this way. That's fairly easy. You will need an assistant. 3 would be lovely. The 3rd replenishes the fluid while you bleed and the other person pumps.

There are gadgets out there that allow a 1 person bleeding exercise. Google it.

billy44bo

I took my 330 to a Toyota store had front and back done for $400 and the Brake Fluid was 85

mandyfig

$485 is reasonable.

billy44bo

it was a lot better than what lexus store wanted

mandyfig

Well by the time you get done with your Starbucks coffee and cookies....it will even out, LOL!

billy44bo

I do not drink coffee so I had them drive me home and worked in the yard while they did the work. Toyota store only 3 miles away so no need to pay for the car you get at Lexus and trust me you are paying for that "FREE Car " when you go there.

mandyfig

Other than clean warranty work at a Lex dealer, I do all my stuff on the car. I know all of what you get is added to the bottom line. But since you purchased the Lex, take what's included, JM2C.

billy44bo

Will never take the car back to the Dealer that I got the car from. Do not see eye to eye with the service manager and almost got in a fight with him over how crappy of a job they did clean the car. If I ever have to have warranty work done will dive or have it towed to New Orleans 150 miles west of here. Other than that the Toyota store or the Mercedes-Benz dealer will be doing the work on my 450h. Never ever will the joke of a Lexus dealer service department get their hands on my 450h.

mandyfig

Bump, several folks looking for this DIY.