brake pad replacements
 

I am getting ready to replace my brake pads on my 2005 RX330. Any suggestions on a very good replacement other than OEM or should I stay with the OEM pads.

At the rate that my 2005 is wearing the pads, I expect to get 60000 miles out of them. Because of that, I am going OEM for replacements. I NEVER get more than 25-30000 out of a set of aftermarket pads. Do a search on parts from our supporters and get some OEM ones.

Just my opinion.

Gary

OEM will serve you good.

would agree. making assumptions about normal mileage per year, seems like you got good run out of the originals if you are replacing on an 05. hard to beat that.

Changed mine out at 44k miles, and it still has a lot of life left in it. Could go probably another 10k easily. Because of this, I've been procrastinating to do the rear. Anyway, just go OEM and re-use the original shims.

I justed changed my brakes on my 04 rx330...(basically same car as 05) and would offer a few suggestions:

we drive conservatively and they were down almost to the metal at 38k so check them out even if they feel good. ALWAYS use OEM pads. Remmeber when all mufler shops gave lifetime brake pad warrantly repalcements? Thers a rason why. Because all the aftremarket pads that claim they get much more mileage can say that for a reason and it comes at the expense of the rotor. When friction is involved something has to give. The rotors are much more expemsive to replace. The oem pads are designed perfectly for stopping and wear at a very reasonable rate. Also ALWAYS repalce the shim kits. its a few bucks and its well worht getting and not relying on expecting the original kit to go almosat 100k miles. Also, be very careful in selecting brake pad grease. Theres 2 tupes, one for non shim and the other for shim pads. when using the oem pads (they require the shim kit) be certain to get the grease thats for shim pads. hope this helps.

Wow how are you all getting so much mileage out of pads? I just had to have the pads and rotors (they were warped) replaced on my '07 rx with around 22,000mi.

If you can list couple of reasons/preferences, you will get better advice.

As a default choice, oem's are adequate.

Salim

OEM's are not only adequate they are preferred...what would you rather repalce every 40k miles, a set of pads or new rotors....

I just replaced my front brakes with OE at 41K miles. It was very easy DIY which inlcuded the bleeding the brakes.

If this is a DIY, I too would recommend the OEM brake pads. Be sure to support the CL sponsors by purchasing from them.

Got 45K out of the front pads and still going with the originals on the rear. However, no hills here in FL, though I tend to do frequent high speed heavy braking.

Thanks all. I was leaning towards the oem's for replacement and all of you confirmed that. I got a great price from Iron Toad. $45.00 each for fronts and rears. I think that's a great price. Can I use the existing shims rather than buy new?

Use the existing shims. Clean it up and make sure you put in the anti squeel.

That was where I got mine brake pads. I used the old shims with anti-squeal paste like mandyfig suggested. You should also bleed your brakes since brake fluid over time will cause corrosion which might demange your ABS module.

Did you turn the rotors also, or just change the pads?
T's in advance.