Hi all,

Had my tires rotated today and the shop I go to usually does a brake inspection at the same time. They said my pads are down to 2mm so need those done ASAP. This didn't surprise me since the brakes had been feeling a little soft lately, and this will be the first time I've had them done since I got the used vehicle 10k ago.

They also mentioned the "lower control arm." This is something I'm unfamiliar with. They didn't mention a left of a right side; just lower. Is this something that's an easy replacement for the home mechanic? I'd planned on doing the brakepads myself. But, if the control arm is a hassle, I might just have the shop do them at the same time.

 

Your lower control arms are probably just fine but they are a pain to replace. Although you did not advise regarding your mileage. Many shops show you the cracks in the bushings and try to sell you new lower control arms for thousands of dollars when there is nothing wrong. The cracks are normal and will not change. Only replace the control arms when you notice the vehicle does not drive the way it used to and that other issues such as worn struts have been eliminated.
See this thread https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...20k-miles.html

Hybrid brake pads do last almost forever due to the regenerative braking assist. Be sure to clean and grease the caliper slide pins. You may want to check and possibly replace your front rotors with some coated rotors as the originals tend to rust out from the inside air vents. Also it is probably the last time you will do brakes on this vehicle considering how long they last. If you shop at Rock Auto they have a category for coated rotors. See the brake replacement sticky thread in the top section for more advice.
You may also want to flush the brake fluid since it does absorb water over time. Hybrids can be tricky so read up and watch videos before bleeding them yourself.

 

Sorry about that. Mileage is about 87-88k, give or take, without looking at the actual odometer. I don’t know if the dealership replaced anything prior to offering the vehicle up for sale. But, that would’ve been in December 2022 anyways.

the shop said front brakes are fine (10mm), and didn’t say anything about rear rotors, so figured I would swap the pads and call it a day.

seems pretty simple, and I’ve done it before on my previous car (2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500).

 

The rear brakes on the RX often wear out first due to the brake force distribution and because they are much smaller. You may find Japanese floating calipers to be a bit different from Mercedes, so do some homework first. Here is a video on the rear brake replacement but you only need to watch the pad replacement part. No need to remove the rear rotors. No need to remove the caliper bracket like he does in the video since you are leaving the rotor alone.


This video is on a hybrid RX450

 

I’ve actually got both of those already bookmarked.

I really love Viktor’s videos. They’re usually simple to follow.

 

Don't want to mislead you, as my experience was with first gen RX control arm replacement.
Makes sure you do need it to be replaced. There are typically web looking structure cracks ... that show wear and replacement that is needed in future. Using long pry bars one needs to make sure there is actual break. The other tell tale sign is clunk in suspension specially making a turn. Mechanics during inspection will see the webbing and rightly determine that the component needs replacement, but imho it can last another 10k or so.

I did replace mine on first gen and replaced both sides. One sided needed it and the other was webbed.

I needed 3 jacks, long pry bars and lot of force to coax three mounting points to align to accept bolts through them. Since I did not have a lift, most of the work was done on my back with my body sliding left to right. It took me couple of attempts to finally figure out the order to get the bolts through all points .. 1st 2nd and 3rd selection in right order made it difficult or convenient.

My observation about the 3rd gen is that the control arm in now made with welded sheet metal. Other than that they seem similar. But the devil is in the detail, so treat my post as a guideline and not a words from some one who has actually done it for 3rd gen.

If and when the time comes, I plan to DIY. My bushings are webbed but not separated.

Salim