Just notice from a couple days ago that when i brake, i hear the squealing sound...does that mean that the brake pads are worn out? or maybe it has to do with the brake fluid? cause i haven't change/refill them for a while now...(maybe 20K miles)...

Let me know what to do guys....

 

Brake fluid wouldn't make a different if its full or at minimum. The squealing is because of metal to metal contact. Usually the squeal is associated with the pad wearing down. Most pads comes with wear indicator that will rub against the rotor when the pad has worn down to a certain amount.

 

so its worn out? ugh...any suggestion on which pad i shud get? i have no idea on this at all...just want the bang for the buck...average price with better performance than the OEM pads...

 

You need to look to see whether the front, rear, or both sets of brake pads need replacement (or have a mechanic look). I'd stick with OEM brake pads.

 

the front needs replacement...any1 knows where to get the best price on Akebono brake pads? Tire rack does not have the Front...

 

placeforbrakes.com has it cheaper

 

Do most places who do brakes knows how to handle Lexus's brakes?

Places like discount tires or pepboys...

 

I wouldn't even bring my car over to those retail chain store.

Unless the IS brakes requires special tool to work on the job, it's not that hard to change the pads.

 

thats the point...since it is not that hard...shudnt they be able to do it just fine?

meaning me provide the pads and they provide the labor...

 

It's not hard, but there are also bonehead guys who dont do a thorough job. That's like saying an oil change is so easy that the guys are Jiffy Lube should not have problems at all. Yet there are many incidents out there where they forget to do certain things.


Where in CA are you?

 

im in the Santa Monica area...there is one firestone and discount tire centers in my area...and i gotta replace them brakes soon...been squeaking for 1 week already! arghhh....

 

Before you go all-out changing your pads, I might recommend inspecting them yourself if at all possible. I've had the same pads for two years and when I got my rotors resurfaced, the guy said my pads had a lot of life left. Needless to say, the squeaking went away for about a day but still returned. My pads still have a lot of life left, just very squeaky.

I do recommend checking out the noise, though. There's still a good chance that your pads are worn, and it's not something you should cast aside.

As for your question concerning major chains and their knowledge about Lexus brakes, I'm fairly certain that there isn't too much special about Lexus brakes to begin with.

Either way, don't forget to post up the outcome; I'm interested.

 

So i went to Big O Tires to check my brakes...the brake pads are thin and they told me that i need to replace the rotors...as the rotors have an edge....and cant be resurface as it will be too thin..

so should i get new rotors also? or just stick with the current one...car have 33K miles...

 

I've never seen a rotor too thin for your mileage, especially if you haven't had them resurfaced before.

My opinion? Get the rotor's thickness measured. If they're thicker than the minimum spec, then you can keep on using the rotors. This happens a lot because they know most people are not going to bust out a caliper, and most certainly will know the minimum spec. It's an easy way for them to pocket money.

 

how do i know the minimum spec? thanks alot GSteg