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Was told i need two new front brake brake calipers as well as brake pads [they will machine the rotors to save me a little money] on my RX-350...113,000 miles by one independent mechanic shop and another said i need just the pads and rotors.....any suggestions...thanks
Unless the calipers are leaking brake fluid, I don't know why they would need to be replaced, All you can do is that the car to a 3rd place and see what they say.
If your rotors are warped, you will need a new set of rotors and pads. I used buybrakes.com and ordered a set of front rotors only once mine were warped (severe shaking when braking on the highway). I picked the EBC Ultimaxx rotors with green stuff brake pads. I used a local independent mechanic to get them installed. He also used some higher temperature brake fluid. I live in Phoenix where our summers are so hot it causes severe brake fade just due to the road heat. These rotors can take the heat all day long even with repeated heavy braking. You'll smoke these pads if you try to autocross/track your Lexus RX, but I doubt you are doing that (why would you???).
I am doubtful you need a new pair of calipers. Those will be expensive if they need to be replaced.
Here is a picture of the slotted rotors on my car. I think it looks cool and the slots do a great job of getting rid of heat. I read in some other forums that slotted rotors don't eat brake pads as fast as cross drilled.
I didn't have any issues with my calipers but figured to do the job myself. Asked Oreilly's the cost to turn rotors was $15/each. Looked on Amazon and new rotors were just a bit more so decided to replace all rotors and pads at same time.
4 new rotors - $104.80
2 sets of Wagner Thermoquiet pads - $72.63
All in, $177.43 and I didn't have to mess with turning rotors.
After bedding the new pads, the car does a great job stopping! I've used the same Wagner pads on 3 other vehicles with great success. If you want to upgrade, then go with the slotted rotors mentioned above and a higher performing pad. But my route is cheap and stopping power is like or better than OEM feel.
If you have to replace your calipers, they aren't all that difficult, but you will need to bleed the brake system afterwards so that adds to the complexity of the job if you've never done it.
New calipers on Amazon, are about $110 each and I would replace them in pairs.
One warning about my setup. Most cars aren't expecting that the RX 330 can brake really hard. I have had a BMW 335 coupe and a Nissan 350Z convertible lock their brakes on me with only 50% and 75% braking pressure (respectively). Thankfully, they didn't hit me (350Z convertible has known braking issues and had to swerve into the break down lane to avoid me).
brake calipers/pads rotors
