So. When I bought my 2022 RX350 with 11k, I did not notice the rotors were slightly warped and had a shimmy when I braked. At 16k, I had it in for service and Lexus confirmed it was the rotors but would not replace it under warranty.

It does bother me, so here are my choices.

1) Get rotors turned and possibly new brake pads.

2) Or buy these after market rotors & pads (Evolution). This will cost $279 + tax. An install is about $150.

Has anyone upgraded rotors & brake pads. If so, which one did you go with.

Appreciate any advice..

 

People are still turning rotors? I used to have it done when it cost $10 each.

But for a long time now, I just replaced the rotors. IF that costs more, I don't think it's much.

 

OE rotors aren’t that expensive, I would just replace them.

 

Lots of auto shops and machine shops turn rotors. $30, and you have the OE steel rotors back in shape, better than most aftermarket. Give that a shot first. My local O’Reillys does it, and the NAPA sends them to a machine shop up the road. Ask around.

 

Those prices you guys are quoting may be if I remove the rotors, which I am not about to do...

 

Then you take your chances; that’s how the game works.

 

Drilled or slotted rotors are great for racing but have no advantage for normal everyday driving. I have heard that the PowerStop Evolution rotors are good quality and have the same weight as original equipment. They are also zinc coated for corrosion resistance. The brake pads are carbon-fiber ceramic for good performance and low dust. Check out this video and make sure to read the comments section for more opinions:

 

Get OEM rotors and pads.

They work well, last a long time and don't cost crazy money.

I have never found the need to "upgrade" to a drilled/slotted rotor as I drive to church, the store, golf course, etc.

I order mine online from a Toyota/Lexus dealership for a very good price.

 

rockauto if you are tight on budget

 

thanks all. Will decide which direction I go.

 

Most independent shops won't face the rotor since they don't have the equipment to do it. My rears went out first and went down the route of a default rotor and pad replacement. For the fronts, I took it to my local Lexus dealer and was told that they could face the rotor for a very small fee and just pay for the pad replacement.

At the end, I went with rotor. I was also told that third party pads usually will be a hybrid ceramic blend which can cause some brake squeal (haven't heard anything from mine just yet) but also tend not to last as long as the OEMs.

 

Some here may dislike Autozone. But for me, myself since I am going to DIY. I will be buying the Duralast Elite brake pads (lifetime warranty) with the Duralast Gold rotors (3 years warranty). Warranty pads are the way to go (my opinion) since these are heavy vehicles and living in the rust belt, they tend to have brake vibration prematurely. To me, OE pads and rotors are nothing special just overpriced. Again, this is base on my particular vehicles. With in 2 years/20k miles it will either have brake vibration or the annoying brake noise. This is with clean and relube maintenance before each winter.

 

I went with AKEBONO ceramic brake pads & RAYBESTOS rotors, both from rockauto. OEM warped after 15k miles, no issues so far with this setup over the last 7000 miles since install, and less brake dust on the wheels.

 

I did this on my Acura with 300,000 miles on it.

I personally found that the Duralast Elite pad wore out very quickly (like 1 - 2 years), and yes, I got new ones free....but what a pain to have to do brake job every 2 years.
My Lexus rear pads and rotors made it 80,000 miles and 5 years, and my fronts are still going strong. Now I no longer put on 30,000 year so I figure if I need to do brakes every 7 - 10 years, then OEM is much easier.
I have never had any vibration of other problems with OEM since buying car is 2020. I paid under $500 for all pads and rotors for front and rears, with hardware for OEM from Toyota/Lexus dealer, which I find to be reasonable.

Autozone and Rock Auto are both places that I have used and offer an alternative to OEM.

 

When I purchased my 2022 RX350, used and with about 22K miles, front rotos were warped also. At about 25K miles I just had them resurfaced. Now the car has about 45K miles and brakes are fine. However, should you decide to replace rotors, replace the pads as well. I suggest going with OEM. But if you want different, buy all Brembo parts. Nothing beats Brembo-s.