py0413

folks,

I am currently at 30000km mark on my 2011 RX350 and already feel the brake is fading and the tires are losing grip. I am not an aggressive driver especially with an SUV like the RX. My last car, 08 BMW M3, didn't need any brake replacement for the whole 70000km I owned it. They are different cars and I know that it is difficult and unfair to make a comparison. The RX is my first SUV and the biggest/heaviest vehicle I ever own; therefor, I am guess the wears & tears goes quicker with its weight. In a few weeks from now, I will bring it in for the 32000km service and should get an estimate on how much brake I have left. I really hope they will last more than 30000km, but I also really feel that needs to be replaced. If the price turns out to be high, I will consider going aftermarket for better brake pads and rotors.

As of the tires, I am never impressed with Michelin except for their extra high performance series like the PS2/PSS. I get the feel they will still last for a while but just not satisfied with their performance now.

Question to you RX owners, at what mileage, did you replace your brake/tires? Any thoughts? All inputs are highly appreciated.

wa3cuj

The Lexus dealer is picking up my 450h this morning for maintenance and to replace my tires at 35,000 miles. Since I have the hybrid, the brakes will go for 100,000 miles (well after I sell it and buy something new!).

joeh80

What kind of mileage are people getting with the Dunlop 19"s? What pressure are you running at? I lowered mine to 32 psi and they ride better but wonder how much mileage I will lose.

shaolin

iTrader: (2)

If you have a hybrid your brakes will go for 100k miles?

Cruiter

For must of us they'll go well beyond that. The electric motors do much of the moderate braking. If you go to the GEN II forum and do a search you'll find quite a few threads of folks well over 130,000 miles on their original pads and plenty left. Our Gen III models by all accounts get even more braking effect from the motors.

go3Ds

My 19 inch Dunlops on my old 2010 450h got 36000 miles at 34 psi. Could have got an extra 4 to 5000 miles, but the outer edges on on all 4 tires was wearing thin, so replaced them a little early. Kept up with all the rotations, and the alignment came out perfect when I replaced them with Michelins. I never did find out why the edges wore down early. We do drive many, many miles packed with luggage, but don't know if the extra weight had anything to do with it.

sightdev

lot of brakes in modern vehicles are design to last about 100k [mileage will vary]. GM used to "brag" about this in advertisement with having stainless exhaust. all Lexus models had stainless exhaust from day one and brakes on my past Lexues vehicles lasted as long as I owned.

My OEM Bridgestones were recently replaced with almost 42k but it still had another "safe" 10k left. I was really impressed with wear considering UTQG was only rated at 280. Mine probably lasted longer because its mostly hwy miles during colder months. I ended with Mich Primacy because it was $70/per[on sale] tire cheaper than the OEM replacement Bridgestones. both primacy and bridgestones are LRR tires but Primacy feels little more stiffer than the oem it replaced.

py0413

Back in 07-08 my ES brake was replaced at 40k-ish km which was pretty reasonable to me. Problem with the RX now is the "bad feel" when coming to a stop. It is almost like the brake doesn't want to do its job unless you really force it (pressing hard). I wonder how Lexus will deal with warranty if I go for aftermarket product.

Cruiter

If you're having a problem and it's under warranty take it in. But if you install an after market product you can't expect Lexus to warranty it.

Johnny

To OP: My RX 350 has about 70,000 kilometres on it, and my brake pads have 50% measured thickness on them. I live in the save part of the World as you do on Westwood Plateau, and my driving profile includes a mix of hills and level roads. Don't believe what service guys (they will prey on your fears) will tell you. Your brake fading is either imaginary, or there is something else at play. Toyota's brake pads are about $115 per axle from Lexus dealers on the Lower Mainland, but you can get them for half that price South of the border. I have the original Michelin tires on the car, and they still have plenty of tread and grip. My Lexus dealer told me to replace my brake pads, and machine the rotors at 30-35,000 kms at a cost of $1,000, which is a load of bull.

MX5NES350

My prior ES had all pads and rotors replaced under warranty so that wont help but these tires should last between 30-40k miles depending on how you are abusing them. The brakes should go for 40-50k miles then need replacing. I have noticed a bit of a shake when at 80 mph higheay so when I get my 10k service next week I will get the tires and wheels rebalanced and ask for new and now measurements on rubber and pads. I will update with calculations afterwards

py0413

I have the same feel if I bring up the brake "feel" issue, the dealer will likely to suggest replacement and that will cost me quite a bit here in Canada. (My ES brake was replaced at my own cost, I believe it was $600 or something similar to that)

If I use aftermarket parts, of course, i won't expect them to warranty that, but I am worried they will also void the warranty on other parts of the car.

I am off to test drive a few cars this and next week. I now have the thought of replacing the RX with a awd sedan, but I am not sure and I guess it all depends on what I will find.