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I was told by two places that the rotors MUST be replaced every time the pads are replaced, so I am trying to figure out my options. OEM pads seem to be many times more expensive than aftermarket options such as the powerstop z26 etc. I don't brake super hard so a minor decrease in performance is perfectly fine with me. Can anyone comment what brake setups they are running if not OEM?
I was told by two places that the rotors MUST be replaced every time the pads are replaced, so I am trying to figure out my options. OEM pads seem to be many times more expensive than aftermarket options such as the powerstop z26 etc. I don't brake super hard so a minor decrease in performance is perfectly fine with me. Can anyone comment what brake setups they are running if not OEM?
Wow is this true? Rotors replaced every pad replacement?
I was told by two places that the rotors MUST be replaced every time the pads are replaced, so I am trying to figure out my options. OEM pads seem to be many times more expensive than aftermarket options such as the powerstop z26 etc. I don't brake super hard so a minor decrease in performance is perfectly fine with me. Can anyone comment what brake setups they are running if not OEM?
This would make sense if the thickness thresh hold for the rotors have surpassed their life. IE: You've worn down the pads and then when measuring the thickness of the rotors it would be below what the recommended spec is then that makes sense. But I've never heard or done this with my cars. Normally I get around two pad changes. IE: First time changing pads to new the rotors have more than enough life. After the second pads get worn out check thickness of rotors again. More than likely at this point I replace the rotors..
This is all completely dependent on how you brake and the conditions. I got close to 70k miles on my brembo rotors on my STi, and that went through 2 pad changes. I've had cars where brakes last 25k miles...etc.
I would say under normal condition and most people would NOT have to replace the rotors when they change pads.
My vote is going two piece rotors. This is a heavy car. Putting two piece rotors on will shed almost 30lbs of spinning weight which you'll notice and feel when driving. Hell I can't wait till my rotors wear out so I can put on RR racing (Giro discs).
Alright so I have come to the conclusion pretty quick that my rotors likely do not need replacing, however, I will confirm by measuring the rotors soon. Now the question is brake pads. I have very little knowledge of pads and the hardware that is required to go with it.
These pads were recommended to me by another RC F owner. They are much cheaper than OEM, however, they do not come with wear sensors as far as I can tell and tbh I have no idea where to get them or what sensors I need.
You can reuse the sensors if the Brake light has not come on. You can buy the sensors from Lexus or I think they can also be purchased much cheaper in the aftermarket, but not a factory Lexus part.
About a year and half ago I changed my front brake pads on my own. I ordered the PowerStop Z23-1440 from RockAuto.com for $42.xx for the front pair of pads with "hardware". It did NOT include the brake sensors. I RE-used my OLD OEM brake sensors and it worked fine. I ordered many other parts for my other vehicles so the "shipping cost" was minimized. I see your link for Amazon included "free shipping" but at a little bit higher cost (but different Z26 pads). When I ordered mine....... RockAuto did not have the Z26.
I measured the front rotors and they were still within specs so I did not change the front rotors.
Just be very careful not to damage the OEM brake sensors when you remove them AND subsequently reinstall onto the new pads. Removing is easier vs putting on due to the very tight tolerances. I heard with some other aftermarket pads the OEM brake sensors may not fit correctly? It fit my new Z23 pads without any problems. If you damage the OEM brake sensors, your local Lexus dealership will be very happy to sell you new ones at around $75 EACH! Or order from RockAuto for around $8 each. I order one for front and one for rear just in case. I have not gotten around replacing my rear pads bc they were still good. Maybe later this summer?
Performance wise.......I DO NOTICE a slight difference. I don't track my RCF. Just mostly highway driving. So for me no problems. I suppose under tracking conditions or VERY SPIRITED CANYON/MOUNTAIN driving with REPEATED hard braking there will be a BIG difference.
All parts were ordered from RockAuto.com
They do charge for shipping. But I usually order other stuff like oil filters, air filters, cabin air filters, windshield wipers, and etc. So the shipping cost is minimized.
Please see attached pics of my front brake pads change.
The wire at the right is the OEM brake sensors. Top are the new pads. Bottom are the old OEM pads. Top are the new pads. Bottom are the old OEM pads. New pads.
The above credit to CL member Davew77 The above credit to CL member Davew77
New brake sensor just in case I damage my OEM brake sensor. I did not have to use the new brake sensor. I used the OEM brake sensor.
Incidentally, several years ago I was in the New Orleans area with my RCF and had some minor curb rash damage on my wheels. So I dropped off my RCF at the New Orleans Lexus dealership when I flew back home to SoCal to have my wheels repaired under my optional Lexus tire and wheel warranty. The New Orleans Lexus dealership called me a day later to tell me that ALL my brake pads were needing urgent replacement to the tune of some $4500!! I declined and told them just to repair my wheels under my optional tire and wheel Lexus warranty which is good nation wide. A week later I flew back to New Orleans to pick up my RCF. They gave me some lame excuse about not able to fix my wheels (I guess it's bc I turned their $4500 brake job down!!) I asked for an official print out showing my pads thickness. Since I was busy and did not have the time to check my brake pads.......I just continued driving. I figured when I trip the brake sensors, then I will know. Haha. I continued driving for some two years later and some 30K miles later WITHOUT tripping the brake sensors!!! Then I took my RCF for the 60K spark plugs and other routine service at my trusted Longo Lexus since we moved to SoCal back in 2000's. I asked Longo Lexus about my brake pads and they measured them..... They were STILL ABOVE minimum specs!! So the New Orleans Lexus dealership was not honest!! This is the SAME LEXUS DEALERSHIP back when I was buying a brand new 2000 LX470 and they turned me down for a test drive. They had TWO LX470 on the lot at the time. I was told the two LX470 on the lot were SOLD already. Maybe so. Needless to say I bought the LX470 later on from another Lexus in south Florida and they literally had 20 LX470 on the lot to choose from!!
Originally Posted by Ab175
Alright so I have come to the conclusion pretty quick that my rotors likely do not need replacing, however, I will confirm by measuring the rotors soon. Now the question is brake pads. I have very little knowledge of pads and the hardware that is required to go with it.
These pads were recommended to me by another RC F owner. They are much cheaper than OEM, however, they do not come with wear sensors as far as I can tell and tbh I have no idea where to get them or what sensors I need.
Last edited by lexusrus; May 22, 2021 at 05:38 AM.
Alright so I have come to the conclusion pretty quick that my rotors likely do not need replacing, however, I will confirm by measuring the rotors soon. Now the question is brake pads. I have very little knowledge of pads and the hardware that is required to go with it.
These pads were recommended to me by another RC F owner. They are much cheaper than OEM, however, they do not come with wear sensors as far as I can tell and tbh I have no idea where to get them or what sensors I need.
The kit should come with new pins and clips. That's all you need ... and the pads, of course. Some even give you a little pack of grease.
But I just wanted to point out that no brake sensors are included in the aftermarket pads bc that "was NOT ALL YOU NEEDED". Making sure people will know that before going in to do the brakes.
I was told by two places that the rotors MUST be replaced every time the pads are replaced, so I am trying to figure out my options. OEM pads seem to be many times more expensive than aftermarket options such as the powerstop z26 etc. I don't brake super hard so a minor decrease in performance is perfectly fine with me. Can anyone comment what brake setups they are running if not OEM?
I just had my brakes done on my RCF and I used OEM Brembo rotors (purchased through a Brembo dealer) and I purchased Endless MX72 brake
pads (front and rear)
The difference is night and day for me. The initial bite is immediate and no squealing.
I would not cheap out of rotors as the RCF is a very heavy car and will generate significant heat while braking. Last thing you want are warped rotors.
I just had my brakes done on my RCF and I used OEM Brembo rotors (purchased through a Brembo dealer) and I purchased Endless MX72 brake
pads (front and rear)
The difference is night and day for me. The initial bite is immediate and no squealing.
I would not cheap out of rotors as the RCF is a very heavy car and will generate significant heat while braking. Last thing you want are warped rotors.
Brakes
