Hello,

I'm changing the brakes on my LS430.

Can someone tell me if they grease any part of the pad, shims or caliper pistons on reassembly?

When I removed the pads it looks like there was some grease where the caliper piston contacted the shim, but the manual doesn't seem to say anything about this.

 

Here are diagrams from the repair manual showing locations to apply grease. Please note that there are 2 different types of grease ("Glycol grease" and "Brake grease") shown...

 

Thanks great. Thanks. Must have overlooked that.

Any non-Toyota substitutes for the "lithium soap based glycol grease"? Do I put this on the piston? I'm not taking apart the piston, just changing the pads.

 

if you're just changing the pads, the calipers do not have to be removed at all. The pads slide out and new ones right in. I've chance twice and haven't greased and haven't had problems. I would imagine grease would help a little to reduce rust stick.

 

I've always put brake grease on the back of the pads where the brake piston makes contact and a little on the piston surface itself.

I think as long as it's a true "brake grease", any brand is fine, you just don't want to use something like a wheel bearing grease that has petroleum and can break down the rubber seals on the piston.

I've had good luck with this brand and it's widely available: