Braking issues
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: ca
Braking issues
Hi,
I was wondering if any of you could diagnose some brake issues.
1) when moderately hard braking at higher speeds (50-70mph), the steering wheel will vibrate side to side very quickly. I dont think ABS was triggered because I didnt feel the vibration through the brake pedal.
2) WHen lightly braking at low speed (<15mph), the braking power will pulse. i.e. slows car down then loosens up, slows and then loosens up. WHen I brake hard the pulsing is gone.
Are my rotors warped or do pads need replacing?
Just hit 90K on my car. Pads didnt need to be replaced yet at 60k check (70% remaining).
Thanks.
-Ray
I was wondering if any of you could diagnose some brake issues.
1) when moderately hard braking at higher speeds (50-70mph), the steering wheel will vibrate side to side very quickly. I dont think ABS was triggered because I didnt feel the vibration through the brake pedal.
2) WHen lightly braking at low speed (<15mph), the braking power will pulse. i.e. slows car down then loosens up, slows and then loosens up. WHen I brake hard the pulsing is gone.
Are my rotors warped or do pads need replacing?
Just hit 90K on my car. Pads didnt need to be replaced yet at 60k check (70% remaining).
Thanks.
-Ray
Driver
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
It sounds like the classic symptoms of warped brake rotors to me. Probably front brake rotors. Dealers will always replace the pads when the turn or replace rotors. I'm not sure that's necessary if the pads look OK and have plenty of life left. I haven't had this happen on my RX yet, but it happened on my mother's ES300.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 9
From: CA
Warping is most likely caused by uneven deposit of brake pad material. I would not go to dealer since brake job is really a DIY-level job, no sense for Lexus to overcharge you in both labor and parts. If you prefer not to change the rotor yourself, just go to a trusty indepedent shop.
Two years ago, I brought my own Brembo blank rotor and Akebono front pads at EF1 Motorsport in Signal Hills and paid only $60 on labor. The shop is clean, professional, and hand torque my lug nuts. In Lexus dealer you will find mechanics use impact wrench to slam your rims against new rotors, which tend to make them warp again.
Two years ago, I brought my own Brembo blank rotor and Akebono front pads at EF1 Motorsport in Signal Hills and paid only $60 on labor. The shop is clean, professional, and hand torque my lug nuts. In Lexus dealer you will find mechanics use impact wrench to slam your rims against new rotors, which tend to make them warp again.
Can't offer you any advice other than to say I have a similar issue when applying the brakes (shuddering through the steering wheel) which I'm pretty sure is warped/out of round rotors. I have 100,000 miles on my RX300 and am on the original pads and rotors also. I think the pads are getting down to the wear limits now so I'll probably replace them and get the rotors turned at the same time (see my post below on RX300 repair costs).
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,560
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
The other option is to turn the rotors. My personal preference would be to replace it. If there is any pitting /grooving on the rotor, then you should replace the pads as well.
Salim
Trending Topics
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 10
From: Dallas, Texas
I dunno, the drilled Brembos have a certain panache. They were a big hit with the mechanics at Sewell here in Dallas, they managed to put 4 miles on it during an oil change, lawd knows how many miles they scrubbed off the life of my brakes "testing" it. 
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 362
Likes: 2
From: Moscow, Russia
Hi,
I was wondering if any of you could diagnose some brake issues.
1) when moderately hard braking at higher speeds (50-70mph), the steering wheel will vibrate side to side very quickly. I dont think ABS was triggered because I didnt feel the vibration through the brake pedal.
...
Are my rotors warped or do pads need replacing?
-Ray
I was wondering if any of you could diagnose some brake issues.
1) when moderately hard braking at higher speeds (50-70mph), the steering wheel will vibrate side to side very quickly. I dont think ABS was triggered because I didnt feel the vibration through the brake pedal.
...
Are my rotors warped or do pads need replacing?
-Ray
I made a picture for you:
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: CT
[QUOTE=Meetya;2642774]This sound like Rod Tod Ends and/or Control Arm Bushings (probably the lower ones). Get them inspected. Jack up the car and try to shake front wheels. If whey move front-to-end (even slightly) it is Rod Tod Ends. If top-to-bottom it is Control Arm Bushings.QUOTE]
It only happens when braking. IT IS THE ROTORS. Change the pads too when you change/shave the rotors no matter how new your pads are.
It only happens when braking. IT IS THE ROTORS. Change the pads too when you change/shave the rotors no matter how new your pads are.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 362
Likes: 2
From: Moscow, Russia
It only happens when braking. IT IS THE ROTORS. Change the pads too when you change/shave the rotors no matter how new your pads are.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: CA
Where would be the best place to order these online? (I live in Canada, but can have parts shipped to WA state for pick-up.)
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 9
From: CA