I always had my 2007 GX serviced at a Lexus stealership in Maryland. Recently moved out of state and decided to take it to a local Toyota dealer for a needed oil change. Fearing I may need at least front brakes due to info provided from the last Lexus dealer visit 8 months and 5k miles ago which stayed that I supposedly only had 4-5 mill left on front brakes and 4mm on rear, the Toyota dealership tells me they look great and still have 8 mills left on front and rear. What gives? I’ve had the suv for 6 years and only out 22k miles on it within that time and never had any brake work done. Do you think they measured incorrectly or may have measured differently? Do they measure the rotor or the pads. I’m happy I don’t need brakes but confused. Btw, at what point (mm left) do the brakes start to squeal due to the sensor? Just trying to educate myself. Any info is appreciated. 2007 w/119k on it.
thanks in advance.

 

Wear sensors will squeal

 

One (or both!) probably didn't measure it - they may have just eyeballed it.
If you want, you can buy a brake caliper gauge for not a lot of money and measure it yourself - you'll likely have to remove the wheel to get access though.


Chip H.

 

It's possible the pads are wearing unevenly - if each tech only measured one pad per caliper and they each measured a different pad, you could get different answers. That would be sloppy work on their part but anything is possible and uneven wear is a sign of seized calipers which are a common issue.

Also, the squealer on the pads can make noise if they hit a rusty spot on the rotor even if the pads aren't worn. The best advice is in the post above-get a gauge and measure yourself. It's easy and it's the only way to be certain.