Lexmex

Nick,

You might want to try www.rockauto.com as they list the Akebono ProAct pads there (I checked just now), same place where I got mine from.

ACT 707 for fronts
ACT 325 for the rears

Ron

Nickv

Oops. My bad. I didn't look at the previous post by Lexmex who replied earlier this morning. Sorry. And thanks for the update on the brake pad models.
Akebono;;gottem.

Thank you for posting.
Nick
My original post is below...

Well, I do now understand about where to apply the grease--to the sliding bolts?

But I still don't know which model of the Akebono brake pads to use? Even the Akebono Act website is confusing to me about which model to use.

I don't think that I really need to do the brake pads now. As a senior citizen, I don't really use my car that much. While it is a 2000 year RX399, it has just turned 66,000 miles. I wish the outside looked as nice as it seems to run. It has picked up its share of door bumps from the grocery parking lots. Boo. For me, it has turned out to be a great car and according to the Lexus dealer records, I have more than gotten my money's worth out of the extended warranty.
Nick

carguy07

PDF showing spots to lube.

carguy07

2nd PDF showing spots to lube.

Nickv

Thank you carguy7, Lexmex, and others for all the help. This group is great. I sincerely appreciate all the help. I will try and be as helpful as you all, when I get into these things. I will provide feedback after I do something.
Nick

edbro

Let me ask a dumb question as this is the first time I've ever done brakes. I got the Akebono pads. What exactly is the noise supression grease for? Is if for lubing the sliding parts or is it a treatment for the pads themselves?

Nickv

Uhhh.... since "we" are asking.... How do you know whether to replace the brake discs? Do they need to be resurfaced when replacing the brake pads? Thanks, in advance. Nick

Lexmex

I use that between the shim and the pad itself.

Lexmex

Ah the rotor, usually I can feel vibration in the pads themselves as I apply brakes at 40 mph and slowing down. I also tend to look at the rotors when I have the brake pads off to see if there are any burn marks on the pad (like a streak that looks out of the ordinary). Another thing I do is take one of the new pads and slide it on the surface of the rotor. It really takes a fine eye to look a the rotor from the side to see if there is an issue, but I go on the things I mentioned earlier.

thomas1

If you are not experiencing any pulsating when braking, and I am going to get a lot of flak, just replace the pads...they will wear into the old disk. If there is pulsation either replace the disk or get it turned down. The minimum thickness is usually etched on the disk. My neighbor just got his turned for $27 for both disks...easy job just follow the tutorials.... Almost all brake shops will want to turn your rotors when doing a brake job...but from 40 years of experience, I will tell you it is not necessarily required.

Lexmex

I haven't had an issue with my rotors since I got back from Mexico, but at higher altitudes and with so many vehicles on the road (and people breathing), I am sure the 25% less oxygen levels up there are probably a lot more, thus the brakes, rotors could not cool as well, and I needed to have my rotors shaved a few times, but as thomas1 mentioned it's not necessarily required.

pinoyballa

how much of the difference does the anti squeal shims on the akebono pads make compared to the oem toyota pads? if i buy the oem toyota ones, any idea if they come w/ the grease?

Nad1370

Holy thread revival !!! LOL.

Akebono pads with shims are an excellent replacement compared to factory pads.
Factory pads I believe comes with grease packaging but no shims.

Although I can say that factory shims are better than what comes with the Akebono pads. Fitment, build quality, 2 piece shim as opposed to 1.
But for $30-$40 that they want for just shims... forget it.

pinoyballa

thanks for the quick response...im planning to replace my rear pads and its my first time. Im having trouble visualizing what the difference is.

i was reading in a past post that you can reuse the factory shim. is that true?

pinoyballa

never mind it wasnt the shims it was something else! hahah..