LS400/Celsior brake upgrade w/pics
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 112
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From: tx
LS400/Celsior brake upgrade w/pics
So I just upgraded the wifey's brakes finally. The stockers were so warped and crappy they were pretty much unsafe. Finally fixed all the other little things and was able to get to the brakes. This upgrade cost me a little over $300 (calipers, rotors, pads), but everything is new or rebuilt so I'm not complaining too much. I will complain about the Ferodo brake pads though, along with any other brake company that makes their pads the same way. They cut the edges of the pads down at like a 30 degree angle, I guess so they'll wear against the rotors more evenly or something. Anyways, they cut it down SO far that really only 40-50% of the friction surface is actually touching the rotor. It won't be until 3/4th's of the pads are worn down before the whole size of the friction surface is actually touching the rotors. This, is bull****.
Anyways, this showed up to my door all pretty-like
Jacked the car up, took off the wheels, pull off the old brakes and here's what you start with:
Here's a size comparison of the stock rotor vs LS400 12.5" rotor
This is the area that the caliper touches the tie rod and backing plate. I cut a small area of the backing plate off and lightly bent the rest until the new rotor wasn't touching it anywhere.
I actually had to trim down more than I thought on it all, even some on the caliper, so if you don't feel comfortable grinding away at this stuff, don't do this brake upgrade.
Almost done with one side
And pretty much done about an hour into it with the drivers side:
Finally finished, make sure you bleed it really well, I ended up having some shorter bolts for the calipers, but I didn't think they were really needed honestly, a small washer perhaps and reuse the stock caliper bolts and you'll be fine, make sure to use loctite on them too.
MAKE SURE YOUR WHEELS CLEAR! I had to use 15mm spacers on my AVS Model 5's (18 x 8.5 +45), but every wheel will be different. Car actually handles better with the wheels stuck out more, braking is better than it was. Still leaves something to be desired, but I think it's due to the Ferodo pads and their inefficient design, next time I'll definitely use a different brand. Also needs time to break in, but they definitely feel better, and look better too!
Anyways, this showed up to my door all pretty-like
Jacked the car up, took off the wheels, pull off the old brakes and here's what you start with:
Here's a size comparison of the stock rotor vs LS400 12.5" rotor
This is the area that the caliper touches the tie rod and backing plate. I cut a small area of the backing plate off and lightly bent the rest until the new rotor wasn't touching it anywhere.
I actually had to trim down more than I thought on it all, even some on the caliper, so if you don't feel comfortable grinding away at this stuff, don't do this brake upgrade.
Almost done with one side
And pretty much done about an hour into it with the drivers side:
Finally finished, make sure you bleed it really well, I ended up having some shorter bolts for the calipers, but I didn't think they were really needed honestly, a small washer perhaps and reuse the stock caliper bolts and you'll be fine, make sure to use loctite on them too.
MAKE SURE YOUR WHEELS CLEAR! I had to use 15mm spacers on my AVS Model 5's (18 x 8.5 +45), but every wheel will be different. Car actually handles better with the wheels stuck out more, braking is better than it was. Still leaves something to be desired, but I think it's due to the Ferodo pads and their inefficient design, next time I'll definitely use a different brand. Also needs time to break in, but they definitely feel better, and look better too!
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: tx
No that is not true, the calipers and rotors are the same from late 95 to 2000 LS400's. I got everything from http://www.rockauto.com I posted a topic about it a week ago or so.
Nice upgrade. I did a full Supra TT front and back while back. The one thing about the Supra is that you don't have to shave the calipers or tie rod. All I need to do was shaved the dust shield and everything else were pretty much straight forward. I recommend upgrade SS brake lines also if you do any brake upgrade. If you do, use the GS brake lines, not the Supra TT or LS400.
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Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: tx
No problem, so far the Lexus has been fairly easy to work on with the exception of the EGR valve, that thing sucks getting to it. Supra brakes would've been great but no way I'm paying double the whole brake swap just for the front calipers. SS brake lines are good too but I've never noticed any difference using them as long as the stock rubber lines are in good shape.
Driver
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 137
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From: Saco,Maine
Just recently had the LS400 brakes installed all the way around on my 95 GS. Used EBC redstuff pads and sc400 goodridge stainless lines. I was gonna do the Supra brakes but couldn't find a deal on them those brakes are pricey!
does any body know if an AME LX wheels with 19X8.5 +33 offset would fit with these
LS400 brake upgrade? i dont know it my wheels are hi-disk of low-disk.... thanks for aynones input on these...
LS400 brake upgrade? i dont know it my wheels are hi-disk of low-disk.... thanks for aynones input on these...