ejm3

As it finally hit 50 degrees here for the first time since probably October I was out washing my RX350 and I noticed that I could pretty clearly see the back of the brake pad and and the hardware that mounts it.

That didn't seem normal to me so I checked the other front wheel and sure enough there's some sort of cast metal "cover" that protects the bask side of the pads.

I looked again more carefully and looks like a outer part of that cast metal cover actually broke off somehow, ar lat least it looks broken rather than a part just falling off.

The wheel itself is fine so its not like I hit a curb and broke it or anything.

Not sure when it happened, I just noticed it this weekend. The car (including the brakes) seems to function ok but I'm going to get this fixed, especially since its still under warranty.

Anyone every hear of this?

Lexspeed

I am not certain regarding your model, but I have done a ton of brake jobs over the years. What you describe is an anti-rattle plate or shim that is positioned on the back of the pads. Most pads have them. You must have been in a lot of salt over the winter as I have never seen one rusted out to the point that it broke apart as you describe. Unless the broken parts some how get jammed in there, I would not be overly concerned about any effect on braking performance.

ejm3

The car isn't that old - 2010 and 43k miles.

Lexspeed

Not being there to actual see what you are describing, I am not sure I can add to my comments. But, if you take it to the dealership for warranty work, keep us posted on what you learn.

Bayman

Can you post a picture?

GoGiantsNJ

I thought I was the craziest person who cleans and looks over my vehicles all the time. Good catch. Hope the Dealer fixes it gratis.

chuckGS350

This is the front caliper on my 2011RX350.
Are you talking about the backing plate missing?

What you see is the white brake grease the dealer put on bewteen the pad and the backing plate and the silding area. against the caliper It was done to reduce the squealing noise from the pads shifting before the car comes to stop while the brakes are applied.