NotFasty

I bought my 2012 LS pre-owned in November 2018 - I think I have pretty fresh pads and rotors but I don't like the feel... it's hard to modulate stopping and the pedal gives little feedback. I imagine there is cheap hardware there; the fluid looks pretty fresh

Can I replace just the pads (with, maybe, Akebono)? If so, do I need to do anything to the rotors (like run some steel wool over them)? Since the rotors are new-ish, I'd like to reuse them if possible.

Thanks!

PwrdbyM

Simply put the Ls460 isn't the best braking luxury car, nor does it have terrific pedal feel. Depending on what you're coming from this could be a characteristic you need to get used to. Coming from German cars I find the LS braking to be substandard.

Just to ensure you have done everything possible with your hardware I'd make a few changes. First go with the no cost option which is to bed in your current brakes. Google "brake bed in procedure" and you'll find all you care to know on the subject. This step is omitted by a large number of mechanics and DIYers. It can help with brake feel, vibrations and noise. It's especially important if you change pads and not the rotors but should be accomplished any time brake hardware is changed. While the fluid may appear clean it can have air in it or have absorbed water. Brake fluid absorbs water over time which is why it's on a regular change interval. Flush the system and if you still have no improvement you can consider a pad change. Centric, EBC, Akebono, etc. are all reputable pads that many on here have used. Plenty of threads on brake hardware here. Good luck!

jkittlesen

I would suggest Akebono pads , no bedding required !

mambo619

really?? i put new akebonos on my LS a few months ago with out bedding them in and i dont like the feel ....

ALK

All pads need proper bedding to make a layer of the pad on the rotors . Once that's done brake feel should improve