On my way back from the store to pick up new spark plugs for my car, the "Brake Pad Wear Sensor - Have Dealer Check Brakes" alert went off with just over 60k miles on the car.

I still had a brand-new full set of Akebono ProACT pads sitting in boxes in the garage from back when I thought I needed new pads and rotors at around 30k miles (only warped rotors which Pep Boys turned on-vehicle and have been perfect ever since). Rotors still have plenty of meat left, so I had Pep Boys put the new pads in and do a REAL brake fluid flush (not a turkey baster removal/reservoir refill "exchange" as per Lexus dealer).

I dimly recalled a pricey contretemps with Lexus about the brake sensors on my previous 2007 LS. This time I compared the Lexus pricing for the cable (over $100) to that of Raybestos (less than $25) and went with the third-party unit (my bad luck; any other wheel's cable would only have been about $10 from Raybestos).

So, good to go with new pads, new wear sensor cable, decent rotors, and brake fluid that looks just like Wesson oil. Ah, the joys of turning 60 (k).

https://www.openbay.com/maintenance/...-ls-460/ne-2y4 (move mileage slider to see 60k mile maintenance, a pretty penny, especially if brakes needed).

 

Wow, when it rains it pours. At least you won't have to worry about these for another 60k miles!

 

I opted instead to have dealer do mine along with new rotors here at 87K.

Lexus goodwilled the sensors (rear) since the car has always been dealer maintained.

 

Sensor or sensors? Usually only one goes at a time. On my 2007, sensors were only on the passenger side; on my 2013 they're at all four calipers.

How'd the dealer price your brake job? After the price my dealer quoted me for changing spark plugs ($495), I'm almost afraid to ask. OEM rotors and pads (parts) look to run around $500 for the full set, third-party labor another $300 (including REAL brake fluid flush), so all-in going non-dealer would be somewhere between $800-$900.

 

I have a '10 Sport so they priced a little higher. All in I paid just a hair under $1,100 to have all corners done with new parts.

 

That's not bad at all. For only an extra $200-$300, I'd absolutely go with the dealer as well. My 2007 was on its third set of rotors and its second or third brake actuator (I forget), all under warranty. And when the rotors on my 2013 warped at 38k, I wasn't about to do the dealer dance again, so I had them turned outside. Thus, I've never faced a full brake job to price the dealer against third party. I'll keep your tale in mind from here on in. Thanks.

 

I'd do it again.

All parts used and labor warrantied for a year, loaner at time of repair as well as if you had to bring it back for any reason related.