uschardcor

I'm not really interested in changing my entire braking system but my rear pads are needing replacing and I'm curious if there are any better options than the stock ones, and if so should I order them and have someone install them vs. going to the dealership and dealing with their premiums.

searched around, didn't find anything definitive. saw some people discussing EBC red/green/blue stuff brakes and apparently they are good at being performers with low dust. interested in other opinions...

JoeChaz

I purchased Akabono's for $57.95 (on line). Installation and resurfacing of rotors by my local mechanic- $82. 2004 ES 330

Ditto on timing belt and water pump and fan belts. $485 (parts and labor). Dealer wanted $888 (estimate).

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

Unless you race the car on a track the OEM pads will be at least as good as anything else you buy. (and the rears produce very little dust anyway since they don't do much of the braking)

For the fronts if you haven't already get the brake pad TSIB done- Free pads from the dealership and they produce a LOT less dust than the originals did.

Unless there's something wrong with them (ie a really deep groove or something) if you're replacing with the OEM pads there's no reason to do anything to the rotors

sirCharles

Thanks Kurtz, this is great brake pad advice for most IS drivers.

quick123

iTrader: (2)

If you do bring it in for the TSB on brake dust, make sure to tell them of vibration when braking...I just got a new set of front rotors under warranty with the updated brake pads

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

The problem with this advice is you run the risk the dealer might just take a brake lathe to the rotors to "fix" it rather than replacing them with new ones.

At which point you just screwed yourself out of a fair bit of rotor life in exchange for nothing.

quick123

iTrader: (2)

You only shave about 2-3mm of the surface off when re-facing rotors...not that much in the grand scheme of things...

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

2-3 mm is the entire service life of the rotor.


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/2450254-post8.html

quick123

iTrader: (2)

^^^ Guess thats why they replaced my rotors today under warranty...I didn't know that the stock rotors were so thin to begin with...

graphX250

I have 44,000 miles and haven't paid anything for brakes so far. I have had them replaced twice along with the rotors by the dealership under warranty. the last set of pads that they put on were the ceramic ones. only problem is now I am to the point I have to replace my rotors and pads on my dime. no more freebies.. (down to just under 3mm and have bad grooves in the rotors) I was thinking that as long as I have to do the brakes, to upgrade and install is350 calipers etc.. goes from the 2 piston to a 4 piston caliper and bigger rotor. from a little research, can get the kit from sewell for $723. How many of you guys have done this brake change and would you recomend it or look at other aftermarkets like the Rotara, brembo etc..

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

Do you track the car?

If the answer is no then the upgrade will do nothing for you other than look slightly better when the car is standing still.