brake job?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 22
Likes: 7
From: PA
brake job?
Hi! Just bought a used GX460 and need to change the brake pads and rotors. Do I need anything else besides the pads and rotors to do the job? Thanks for your imput. Jef
Racer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 820
From: TX
Nope, these are super easy on our rigs. Just make sure you follow the right procedure with the star wheel on the rear axle to get the rotor to come off. If you bash it with a hammer without taking the tension off the shoes, you could end up having to redo the parking brake also.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 872
Likes: 428
From: Idaho
Consider swapping the woeful OEM pads and rotors with some heavy duty Power Stops. They've made a huge difference on both my GXs and others. The OEM brakes are pretty poor.
Power Stop K5874-36 Front and Rear Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit, Carbon Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads and Drilled/Slotted Brake Rotors https://a.co/d/gAF4fD9
Power Stop K5874-36 Front and Rear Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit, Carbon Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads and Drilled/Slotted Brake Rotors https://a.co/d/gAF4fD9
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,707
Likes: 1,446
From: WA
... and never beat on a rotor with a metal hammer to remove for replacement ... if it refuses to budge, the rotor will now be unusable to get the vehicle back on the road given the inflicted damage. Always use a plastic dead-blow hammer if necessary.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 872
Likes: 428
From: Idaho
Click on the amazon link and look at the photos and description for specific info on what's included. It comes with stainless steel shims.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
From: NY
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: California
more details please on the "Star wheel"
Nope, these are super easy on our rigs. Just make sure you follow the right procedure with the star wheel on the rear axle to get the rotor to come off. If you bash it with a hammer without taking the tension off the shoes, you could end up having to redo the parking brake also.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: California
ok, found this video referencing the star brake shoe adjuster. so if i understand correctly, if the rotor does not just slide off, then i need to reach underneath and loosen (or maybe tighten) this star bolt for the brake shoe adjuster so that the rotor will release? this guy in this video was tensioning it so that the rotor was not too loose and not really using it to remove the rotor but assume somewhat related??
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,707
Likes: 1,446
From: WA
Access is from the front (wheel) side ... so remove the wheel ... the "star wheel" adjuster is in the 6 o-clock position. The disk does not need to be removed. Rotate the disk so the access hole aligns with the "star wheel" adjuster.
Using a screwdriver ... rotate the "star wheel" away from you to tighten ... towards you to loosen. Since these are not "dynamic brakes" ... there is no need to adjust like standard drum brakes ... meaning a little extra clearance is better than adjusting too close.
Best way to adjust ... tighten until the brake shoes contact the drum ... where the star wheel stops easily turning ... then back off (loosen) the same number of "clicks" on each side of the vehicle.
Using a screwdriver ... rotate the "star wheel" away from you to tighten ... towards you to loosen. Since these are not "dynamic brakes" ... there is no need to adjust like standard drum brakes ... meaning a little extra clearance is better than adjusting too close.
Best way to adjust ... tighten until the brake shoes contact the drum ... where the star wheel stops easily turning ... then back off (loosen) the same number of "clicks" on each side of the vehicle.