Resurface or new front rotors when installing new pads?
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 49
From: Illinois
Resurface or new front rotors when installing new pads?
Hey guys. My car is at the dealership this morning for an oil change. They told me the front pads are at 3/32nds and need to be replaced. They also told me that I will need to get new rotors because the old ones cannot be resurfaced. It was explained to me that the GS's have soft rotors and a fairly deep groove develops in them during normal operation such that they have to be replaced every time you change the pads.
Is this correct?
e
Is this correct?
e
Hey guys. My car is at the dealership this morning for an oil change. They told me the front pads are at 3/32nds and need to be replaced. They also told me that I will need to get new rotors because the old ones cannot be resurfaced. It was explained to me that the GS's have soft rotors and a fairly deep groove develops in them during normal operation such that they have to be replaced every time you change the pads.
Is this correct?
e
Is this correct?
e
yes the do develop a larger groove but it can still be resurfaced. no need to change them at every pad change.
Driver
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 2
From: KY
I agree with the above post. I check them to make sure that they are within spec and only resurface them if I am getting vibration or pulsating. I replaced my pads 2 months ago and they did not have a large groove, but it was the first replacement set of pads on my rotors. With brakes, everyone will have their opinion on certain things, but in the end they mark up the parts, labor and etc...and that is how they make money.
The last time my wife had her brakes done they totally ripped her off so I just do them myself from now on. I just put on some music and take my time and if it needs replaced, I replace it.
The last time my wife had her brakes done they totally ripped her off so I just do them myself from now on. I just put on some music and take my time and if it needs replaced, I replace it.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 49
From: Illinois
Thanks for the replies guys.
I am the second owner and purchased the car CPO about a year ago at 50,000 miles (it's an 06 GS430). The pads had 5/32nds at the time, so they did not replace them as part of the certification process. The car now has 65,000 miles on it. All service on the car has been done at the dealership (both by me and the previous owner). I reviewed the service history before buying the car, and again today at the dealership with my service advisor, and there is no record that the pads have ever been replaced. Is that possible -- 65,000 miles on the original set of pads? I've driven the car for the past 15,000 miles, and 95% of my miles are highway miles and I am VERY easy on the brakes. If this is true, might that explain why the rotors need to be replaced?
e
I am the second owner and purchased the car CPO about a year ago at 50,000 miles (it's an 06 GS430). The pads had 5/32nds at the time, so they did not replace them as part of the certification process. The car now has 65,000 miles on it. All service on the car has been done at the dealership (both by me and the previous owner). I reviewed the service history before buying the car, and again today at the dealership with my service advisor, and there is no record that the pads have ever been replaced. Is that possible -- 65,000 miles on the original set of pads? I've driven the car for the past 15,000 miles, and 95% of my miles are highway miles and I am VERY easy on the brakes. If this is true, might that explain why the rotors need to be replaced?
e
The dealership has to go by manufacturer thickness thats usually stamped on the rotors. They could get sued for a fault if something were to happen with the brakes.
You may find a shop that will turn them. But personally I would just scuff up the rotors and throw the new pads on. Unless you do not have major gouges then yes I would turn them.
You may find a shop that will turn them. But personally I would just scuff up the rotors and throw the new pads on. Unless you do not have major gouges then yes I would turn them.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 49
From: Illinois
I'm afraid to ask the question, but I have to. What is a reasonable Lexus dealer price for new front pads and rotors with installation? Keep in mind, my question is "reasonable Lexus dealer" price, which is a bit of an oxymoron I know, but it is what it is.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 476
Likes: 4
From: MA
Pads + Shims: $100
Labor: 1 1/2 hrs (if reasonable): $200
So about $600+.
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Thread Starter
Lead Lap
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From: Illinois
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 476
Likes: 4
From: MA
ALso check if their Web site has any coupon for brake service.
Usually a $50 coupon.
Last edited by chuckGS350; Feb 6, 2013 at 06:19 PM.
Thats a lot! I would check with toyota see if they can do it for less.
But why not just buy a set of rotors from sewell and pads, and take it to any mechanic shop to have them installed? There nothing special the lexus dealer will do, other then document it on mylexus
But why not just buy a set of rotors from sewell and pads, and take it to any mechanic shop to have them installed? There nothing special the lexus dealer will do, other then document it on mylexus
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 234
Likes: 1
From: fl
And, we can add the documentation ourselves if I remember correctly?
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 49
From: Illinois
So is it possible that at 65k miles the car still had the original front pads and rotors (assuming that most of the miles on the car are highway miles)? I'm thinking that it's possible, and maybe even likely. Thoughts?
its easy to do yourself if you want to save some money. if you sign up with sewell, you can get a club lexus discount. you could easily save about 60%-70% if you did it yourself.
On my GS with 115K miles all I did was scuff up the rotors really good with sand paper and put in top of the line (Prostop Ceramic) pep boys pads. It includes backing plate and all. Total cost 50 bucks and only took me 2 hours if that. It is very easy to do. My car actually brakes better with the pep boy pads then the oem
I would save your money and diy
I would save your money and diy