Brake Pads DIY
#46
Super Moderator
Thread Starter
I'm planning to do my brake pads again soon. As I've tried a lot of brake pads in the past, this time I'm going to try Axxis Deluxe pads (I already have them in the box ready to go), but just trying to blow off a few more hundred miles on my existing Akebonos (they've been on there for almost 3 years including some time in Mexico), but sea level has been much kinder to my brakes.
#48
Super Moderator
Thread Starter
I'm still surprisingly a bit away from doing this again. When I last posted I checked a few of my pads, and they still have maybe a year or more of pad life left. No doubt as I mentioned, having more oxygen content at sea level is helping extend the brake life over the 7000+ feet elevation with almost 25% less oxygen of Mexico City (and my extreme driving habits there).
#50
I went with the Axxis Deluxe pads on our Camry earlier this month. Also replaced the fluid with ATE Superblue. Great stuff, very easy to know when the old fluid is out.
I also replaced the brake fluid in the RX300 with ATE SB. I paid Lexus a lot of money to replace the brakes 2 years ago. I looked and the work list and noticed there was no mention of brake fluid being changed. Wish I had spent more time on this site then, could have saved a lot of $$$.
One other thing to mention, after a lot of research I went with this product for bleeding: http://www.speedibleed.com/ It works great!
I also replaced the brake fluid in the RX300 with ATE SB. I paid Lexus a lot of money to replace the brakes 2 years ago. I looked and the work list and noticed there was no mention of brake fluid being changed. Wish I had spent more time on this site then, could have saved a lot of $$$.
One other thing to mention, after a lot of research I went with this product for bleeding: http://www.speedibleed.com/ It works great!
#52
DIY
Used it twice now (RX & Camry) and it worked great. The biggest thing is make sure the seal on the reservoir is good and tight and follow the instructions exactly.
My only complaint is when your finished you have a very full reservoir. I just used a turkey baster it to the proper level. I'm sure this is a common problem anyway with one man jobs.
Used it twice now (RX & Camry) and it worked great. The biggest thing is make sure the seal on the reservoir is good and tight and follow the instructions exactly.
My only complaint is when your finished you have a very full reservoir. I just used a turkey baster it to the proper level. I'm sure this is a common problem anyway with one man jobs.
#53
Driver School Candidate
Take the rotos off? any tips
guys - i need help.. how you guys take those rotos - front and back- off for machining?
Im having a tough time....what socket size / nug i need... and any tips to shake them off easily?
THanks a billzion
Im having a tough time....what socket size / nug i need... and any tips to shake them off easily?
THanks a billzion
#54
Lexus Test Driver
The front rotors and back rotors have a hole in them towards the hub. Get a 8mm x 1.25 pitch bolt/screw and use that to push the rotor off of the hub. Or you can always take a rubber mallet or a hammer to them but be gentle if you are going to use the same rotors again.
#55
Moderator
Back ones may be a bit harder. You may have to back down the parking brake shoes. Spin the rear rotor to align the hole with the star nut and turn the star nut to pull in the pads. If you pull on the rear rotor and see the edge of the shoe snagged on to the drum, push it back and lower the shoes some more.
ps: Wear a mask when working on brakes.
Salim
ps: Wear a mask when working on brakes.
Salim
#57
Thanks for the valuable info guys! Just did my pads for the 1st time, the part numbers I got from another thread, specific for my 2002 RX300, yielded Akebono ACT930 for the front and ACT325 for the rear. They fit perfectly.
Thanks again for the illustrations and tips!
Thanks again for the illustrations and tips!
#58
Super Moderator
Thread Starter
BTW, I am doing a bit of work on the brake area today, just fixing some piston boots and rings along with lubing the pistons (you can get the kits for this with seal cheap at Advance Auto). I don't plan on replacing the seal unless I see a leak, but I did find a rip in one of my boots a few days ago.
#59
Lexus Test Driver
Chachacha -- I may be stating the obvious, but make sure the parking brake is OFF before trying to remove those rear rotors. I always set the parking brake when I jack up the vehicle, but I also tried to knock off the rear rotors while the parking brake shoes were holding it in place Duh!! Much easier without the brake on....
#60
Axxis Deluxe pads wholesale closeout sale at Rockauto.com for around $15 and $14 for front and rear pads.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php