So ,the the quality of the brake linnings is definately not up to TOYOTA past standards. I wonder if ,like other parts, being outsorsed to a US company?

 

our 17 RX which has since been replaced also needed brakes all around at roughly 40k. But that's my wife's daily driver and she does plenty of local driving.

 

The Toyota and Lexus for the NA market have smaller brakes than for example EU market. I don't know why, but I know that the bigger pads tend to last longer and brake better.

 

No I forgot to have them save the old parts

 

For a casual DIY garage mechanic, is it possible to just replace the current set with larger the next time I'm due for a brake job, or is it more complicated than that?

 

They are? Lowest price I could find for a rotor is $92.

 

$92 for one rotor or a set of two?

A few years back, I bought a OEM set of two rotor for my Fsport (you have to buy front or rear as a set) from the Toyota/Lexus online parts website for around $100-ish. Here's a reference thread:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...rt-number.html

Non-Fsport ES or Hybrid ES parts should be in the same price range. In general, Toyota/Lexus maintenance parts are relatively cheap compared to other manufacturers.

Front rotors were straightforward and easy to replace. Rear rotors were a pain due to the electronic parking brake (e-brake). I didn’t have the proper tool to retract it but eventually figured it out.
Honestly, I wouldn’t do the brake job again myself. Next time, I’d either just buy OEM parts and take them to a trusted shop (saving on labor vs. the Lexus dealer), or let the Lexus dealer handle it, even if they overcharge. The warranty, Carfax history, and potential resale value boost might be worth the extra cost. Plus saving me from metal break down of frustrations LOL.

 

Single rotor.

 

You would need to replace everything: disks, pads, calipers, caliper holder and the dust shield. Not cheap.

 

Check this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/25648538412...mis&media=COPY


I purchased from them. All pro.

 

I will never fault anyone for buying OEM but for a bit more you can have a 4-wheel kit complete with carbon ceramic pads
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=13824&jsn=463

 

What’s the point on having ceramic but drilled and slotted rotors, ON AN ES?

 

They work great on any car unless you think braking performance can be too good.

 

Do ceramic pads result in lower brake dust on the rims? If so, that would appeal to the OCD folks (like me).

 

Yes, less dust, and I understand having ceramic pads. But what is the point having drilled and slotted rotors?