Front Brakes Squeaking
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 5
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From: NC
Front Brakes Squeaking
Hello Guys,
I have a 2015 Lexus GS350 F Sport and recently replaced aftermarket front rotors and ceramic pads. After the first week, it is squeaking noise like crazy, squeaking happens every I apply on brake, and louder as the car slows down until stop. I changed to semi metallic pads but won't stop the squeaking. I stopped by Lexus dealership for advice and of course, they told me to buy the Lexus pads. I bought these pads and installed them on the same day, but did not stop the squeaking. Lexus then told me to buy the anti-squeak pads and did not stop the squeaking as well. Lexus now requests me to bring my car into Lexus shop for installing the Lexus rotors for $800. So far, I have 3 different types of aftermarket rotors, 4 different types of pads included ceramic, semi metallic, regular Lexus pads, and anti-squeak, but still could not eliminate the freaking squeal. I filled complaints to Lexus Head Quarter and hoping that they will take this issue into consideration and make it as a "case study" to improve it and make Lexus products better. However, they did not hesitate to told me that my Lexus is not covered by warranty and this is final. Anxious to hear some feedbacks from the club members..
I have a 2015 Lexus GS350 F Sport and recently replaced aftermarket front rotors and ceramic pads. After the first week, it is squeaking noise like crazy, squeaking happens every I apply on brake, and louder as the car slows down until stop. I changed to semi metallic pads but won't stop the squeaking. I stopped by Lexus dealership for advice and of course, they told me to buy the Lexus pads. I bought these pads and installed them on the same day, but did not stop the squeaking. Lexus then told me to buy the anti-squeak pads and did not stop the squeaking as well. Lexus now requests me to bring my car into Lexus shop for installing the Lexus rotors for $800. So far, I have 3 different types of aftermarket rotors, 4 different types of pads included ceramic, semi metallic, regular Lexus pads, and anti-squeak, but still could not eliminate the freaking squeal. I filled complaints to Lexus Head Quarter and hoping that they will take this issue into consideration and make it as a "case study" to improve it and make Lexus products better. However, they did not hesitate to told me that my Lexus is not covered by warranty and this is final. Anxious to hear some feedbacks from the club members..
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,543
Likes: 264
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Welcome to CL as a new poster. 
Did you break in the aftermarket pads/rotors from your first brake job-properly? Replacement pads/rotors have to be treated like new brakes (which they are) for the first 500-1000 miles, depending on how much you use them. That means no heavy use or panic-stops (except if necessary to avoid an accident) for the break-in-period.
Also, just out of curiosity, why did you not use Lexus-brand parts to start with? The chances of having the problems that you mention are usually (but not always) a lot less with factory-parts.
Did you break in the aftermarket pads/rotors from your first brake job-properly? Replacement pads/rotors have to be treated like new brakes (which they are) for the first 500-1000 miles, depending on how much you use them. That means no heavy use or panic-stops (except if necessary to avoid an accident) for the break-in-period.
Also, just out of curiosity, why did you not use Lexus-brand parts to start with? The chances of having the problems that you mention are usually (but not always) a lot less with factory-parts.
Last edited by mmarshall; Dec 20, 2020 at 04:39 PM.
I like to apply a good coat of brake lube behind the pad and shim and on all hardware as well. Which lube did you use? I like CRC Silaramic.
Sometimes bedding can help and sometimes its just the combination of the pad and rotor that cause a squeal. Considering you tried multiple combinations, the third option is less likely but I've had situations where I've used three different pads and the fourth didnt squeal.
Sometimes bedding can help and sometimes its just the combination of the pad and rotor that cause a squeal. Considering you tried multiple combinations, the third option is less likely but I've had situations where I've used three different pads and the fourth didnt squeal.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 43
From: NV
Not really sure what you expect from Lexus. Once you go aftermarket, all bets are off. Lexus can't be responsible for your choice to use third-party equipment.
That said, plenty of OEM brakes have squeaking problems. There are even recalls/bulletins issued for this. I had brake squeak issues with my IS-F, and had good luck switching to the Project Mu pads.
That said, plenty of OEM brakes have squeaking problems. There are even recalls/bulletins issued for this. I had brake squeak issues with my IS-F, and had good luck switching to the Project Mu pads.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 4,611
Likes: 372
From: In your head
Hello Guys,
I have a 2015 Lexus GS350 F Sport and recently replaced aftermarket front rotors and ceramic pads. After the first week, it is squeaking noise like crazy, squeaking happens every I apply on brake, and louder as the car slows down until stop. I changed to semi metallic pads but won't stop the squeaking. I stopped by Lexus dealership for advice and of course, they told me to buy the Lexus pads. I bought these pads and installed them on the same day, but did not stop the squeaking. Lexus then told me to buy the anti-squeak pads and did not stop the squeaking as well. Lexus now requests me to bring my car into Lexus shop for installing the Lexus rotors for $800. So far, I have 3 different types of aftermarket rotors, 4 different types of pads included ceramic, semi metallic, regular Lexus pads, and anti-squeak, but still could not eliminate the freaking squeal. I filled complaints to Lexus Head Quarter and hoping that they will take this issue into consideration and make it as a "case study" to improve it and make Lexus products better. However, they did not hesitate to told me that my Lexus is not covered by warranty and this is final. Anxious to hear some feedbacks from the club members..
I have a 2015 Lexus GS350 F Sport and recently replaced aftermarket front rotors and ceramic pads. After the first week, it is squeaking noise like crazy, squeaking happens every I apply on brake, and louder as the car slows down until stop. I changed to semi metallic pads but won't stop the squeaking. I stopped by Lexus dealership for advice and of course, they told me to buy the Lexus pads. I bought these pads and installed them on the same day, but did not stop the squeaking. Lexus then told me to buy the anti-squeak pads and did not stop the squeaking as well. Lexus now requests me to bring my car into Lexus shop for installing the Lexus rotors for $800. So far, I have 3 different types of aftermarket rotors, 4 different types of pads included ceramic, semi metallic, regular Lexus pads, and anti-squeak, but still could not eliminate the freaking squeal. I filled complaints to Lexus Head Quarter and hoping that they will take this issue into consideration and make it as a "case study" to improve it and make Lexus products better. However, they did not hesitate to told me that my Lexus is not covered by warranty and this is final. Anxious to hear some feedbacks from the club members..
Lexus parts are not one off magic. The same folks who make the aftermarket pads are the same contract mfgs for Toyota/Lexus. Line up the numbers and mfgs and you should be as close to OE as possible. I`m betting something with the install or hardware.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 5
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From: NC
When I installed the new aftermarket front rotors and pads, I have followed the break in procedures provided by manufacturer' and drove it for more than 500 miles. On the first week of installed them, they were so quiet, and the noise became louder a week after. The reason why I did not buy the Lexus parts from beginning was $900 for rotors & pads and I would like high performance parts which Lexus does not carry it. Thx
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
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From: NC
The aftermarket pads came with shims on the back of brake pads, brake kits, and I grease them well when installed. I also inspected all parts to insure that no burrs, nicks, or damaged. Personally I believe when the pads and rotors contacted, generated heat, and the squeak noise occurred.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2020
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From: NC
I did some experiments of grinding the 45 degree relief chamfers on the top and bottom of pads to see if they eliminate the squeal, but it did not. I also cut extra grooves on the pad surface to see if this squeal go away, but it did not. I have tried everything that I could think of and wanted to share so someone does not have to go to the same route.
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