DIY brakes or dealer?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 75
Likes: 52
From: Maryland
DIY brakes or dealer?
Hello guys has anyone ventured into DIY land with our brakes. I would like to change out my pads to a ceramic low dust pad and rather not be hosed by the dealer. If it is too complex or some unforeseeable tool I would need I would just assume a pro do it. If its straight forward I will attempt. My searches came up empty.
Pit Crew
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 146
Likes: 121
From: KY
Hello guys has anyone ventured into DIY land with our brakes. I would like to change out my pads to a ceramic low dust pad and rather not be hosed by the dealer. If it is too complex or some unforeseeable tool I would need I would just assume a pro do it. If its straight forward I will attempt. My searches came up empty.
^^^^I've done bleeding at home. To make it easier I use:
https://www.earls.com.au/product-cat...s/solo-bleeds/
You do need a second person in the car pushing on the brakes when prompted,
Lou
https://www.earls.com.au/product-cat...s/solo-bleeds/
You do need a second person in the car pushing on the brakes when prompted,
Lou
Driver
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 59
Likes: 9
From: Florida
Brakes
I think it's a straight forward job, the only problem is a small aftermarket parts as for pads and disks for the LC 500. If you buy the OEM Brake hardware from
the dealer it would be an easy job that would save you lots on labour charge.
the dealer it would be an easy job that would save you lots on labour charge.
10th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 3
From: TX
^^^^I've done bleeding at home. To make it easier I use:
https://www.earls.com.au/product-cat...s/solo-bleeds/
You do need a second person in the car pushing on the brakes when prompted,
Lou
https://www.earls.com.au/product-cat...s/solo-bleeds/
You do need a second person in the car pushing on the brakes when prompted,
Lou
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^^^^^this:
Anyone using pressure to bleed brakes is dissolving air into the brake fluid unless there is an air/fluid separation piston in the system. All fluid and all solids contain gas molecules. Compressing fluids or solids only adds more gas to the system.
I used to think vacuum was great conceptually for bleeding brakes, but unfortunately there are too many seals far too willing to allow air into the system from atmospheric pressure when the seals fail to seal under vacuum. They weren't designed for vacuum, only for pressure.
I used to think vacuum was great conceptually for bleeding brakes, but unfortunately there are too many seals far too willing to allow air into the system from atmospheric pressure when the seals fail to seal under vacuum. They weren't designed for vacuum, only for pressure.
I agree. I have used power bleeders and vacuums to flush and bleed brakes and I keep going back to the trusty old two person method flush (well one person with speed bleeders) and then I finish by letting each caliper gravity bleed. From my experience that is hands down the best pedal I've been able to achieve. It's also very simple and the most inexpensive way 
-Matt M.
-Matt M.
10th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 3
From: TX
Sooo no one has actually used a bleeder on the LC500's Brake-By-Wire system?
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: md
I don't think so. I'm very much watching this but can find no information on doing it myself. I watched a savagegeese video that stated he had to take his to a dealer to bleed the brakes, due to oem software, but I have not yet found a work around from say Snap On yet.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 256
Likes: 13
It's a simple job, just YouTube any RCF or GSF brake job as the procedure is the same. All fixed calipers are pretty much the same sequence, so easy you'll hate yourself for paying the Dealer.
Here is an example:
Here is an example:
I know this is an old thread to bring back up but has anyone done this on the LC yet? Haven't attempted this myself yet, but pumping on the brake pedal while car is off, I can hear a buzzing noise coming from the master cylinder area. This is with every few pumps.
The brake pedal also doesn't get firmer like my other cars when pumping the pedal when car is off.
Thanks,
Roger
The brake pedal also doesn't get firmer like my other cars when pumping the pedal when car is off.
Thanks,
Roger
10th Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 11
Likes: 7
Yeah, I swapped out the pads on mine. The first step in the service manual is to disconnect the brake actuator (forget what it's called) by removing two connectors. I assume so that it doesn't activate accidentally while doing the work. After I got the new pads installed and pumped the brakes, on first fire up it threw a bunch of codes. I shut it off and restarted, and all was good.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 835
Likes: 365
From: California
Yeah, I swapped out the pads on mine. The first step in the service manual is to disconnect the brake actuator (forget what it's called) by removing two connectors. I assume so that it doesn't activate accidentally while doing the work. After I got the new pads installed and pumped the brakes, on first fire up it threw a bunch of codes. I shut it off and restarted, and all was good.
Just did this myself and used a MityVac to pull out all the brake fluid. Treat it like you're bleeding brakes on a hybrid and you'll be ok. This means no opening the driver side door while a bleeder valve is open.
