BP1203

Going to replace the brake pads on all four corners. Have a little pulse in pedal, so I'm assuming rotors need to be machined.

Here are my questions:

1. I want to order Lexus pads. Bummed that Sewell is no longer in business on the internet, so was looking for another site that discounts Lexus parts.
2. Besides the brake pad kit, do I need to order anything else? Or does everything (shims, clips, etc) come with the pads?
3. Can you still machine rotors or should I just replace?

Thanks for your help-so glad there is a forum like this for Lexus guys/gals to help each other out!

Wht95scort

Shims do not come with the pads. If they are in good shape you can reuse them. Rotors can be cut twice before needed replacement unless they have rust build up. Your better off just having the dealer cut and replace the brakes.

BP1203

I can buy new rotors and do them myself; I've done plenty of brakes over the years. Just wondered if it was worth getting them cut or just replacing them...

Anyone have a good go-to site for Lexus parts?

kitlz

BP1023, we have a sticky on top of this forum where a member and a few others have replaced the brakes on their RXs. That should give you an idea of what you're up against. As far as parts, try searching the CL vendor directory for options. You didn't mention your current mileage or the condition of your brake pads. Some members have been able to get upwards of 70K miles before replacing their brakes. It's in the thread I linked above. Maybe they can comment on the rotors.

BP1203

50k, have 4/32...wife's car, she's a little harder on brakes than I am...

fastnoypi

From OEM supplier Centric's faq


If you are experiencing no brake vibrations/judder and there is no excessive grooving/wear in the brake rotors, they do not need to be machined. If a pulsation/judder condition is present, or if excessive grooving exists in the brake rotor, it may have to be either machined or replaced. Always make sure that after machining a brake rotor the rotor is safely above its minimum thickness specification.

Fwiw: a new Lexus RX rotor starts with 3mm of rotor life. IIRC, minimum thickness is 25mm. Starting nominal thickness is 28mm.

plenty of good info too at http://www.centricparts.com/tech-support/faqs for other brake rotor concerns

vlad_a

I spent (saved) a good fortune using a Toyota dealer for my IS300 parts:
http://discounttoyotaparts.com/
I take my rotors to O'Rileys auto parts to machine for $16/each.
Our RX has hit 30K miles. It is now due to have its front rotors turned.
How rusted are your rotors? Make that a deciding factor.
When doing brake pads, check the sliding caliper pins. These could use a lubricant.
Mine seized up on the IS300 after 10 years. You should still be able to reuse shims and clips. Just give them a nice cleaning.

BP1203

Thanks for the info everyone!

Went to AutoNation's online parts site-best combo of price/shipping to Philly. Also spoke to two parts coutners who told me that all I needed are pads, shims are reusable.

Thinking I'll do a brake fluid replacement as well-I can go to local Toyota dealer for fluid. Anyone have a part# for the fluid? Is there a specific type?

vlad_a

I bought this instead at the local auto store:

Clutchless

Do you know how to bleed your brakes? Have you done it before? Do you have a vacuum pump or Motive pressure bleeder to do a one man bleed? I ask because most experienced back yard mechanics would know most brake fluid is fine as long as it meets DOT 3 & 4 specs.

I use this to bleed my brakes, makes it very easy to do by yourself. http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...e=&from=Search
I only use it for the brakes, I prefer the traditional drain oil change method.

Get several bottles of non-chlorinated brake cleaner and some stiff brushes to clean off the hardware you are re-using. Get some synthetic brake grease to put on the sliding edges and backs of the brake pads. Brake cleaner is also great in case you get grease on the pads surface or the rotor.

BP1203

Yes, I've bled brakes before. With all of the technology & advancements in lubricants (I keep cars for 12-15 years, and things have changed significantly since then), wasn't sure if there was any "magic"...thanks again everyone. Pads are expected to arrive Monday, I'll swap them out later this week.