The dealer measured both fronts at 8mm and both rears at 4mm. It seemed odd to me, too. @jcg0324 's explanation sounds reasonable, though.

 

Yep.

Just think of a bicycle. Riding it at high speeds try braking only at the fronts and what happens to the bike? Same scenario - what happens when you use the rear brakes only? The rear brakes will be much safer and stable compared to the fronts.

 

Fascinating discussion. I understand the bicycle analogy to a point, but only to a point. Both the rotors and pads on by bikes (mountain and gravel) are the same size and therefore, theoretically, offer the same stopping power. That's not the case with the RX (or my Honda Pilot or most vehicles.) The front pads have roughly 50% more surface area and the front rotors are much more substantial. My RX has slotted rotors front and rear, although the fronts appear heavier. My Pilot has slotted rotors in the front and only single plate rotors in the rear. Bigger, slotted rotors can dissipate more heat. It's clear the RX/Pilot engineers expect the front brakes to convert a lot more kinetic energy to thermal energy than the rears. The front bias is undoubtedly safer, too, since non-professional drivers are lousy at dealing with oversteer.

Another variable in this is AWD and if/how braking force is used to manage torque to the rear wheels. I wonder if 2WD RX owners see the same pad wear pattern that AWD owners do?

Thanks, guys, for giving me something to think about.

 

Reiterating the post from jcg0324 - the engineers had programed the ABS system to use the rears more than the fronts.

It's all programmed to do so.

 

I have a 2014a Lexus es350 approx 95,000 miles and a 2018 Lexus RX350 approximately 70K miles
ihave had various RX350 for many years
for 30 years I used a auto mechanic in the Bronx - had to replace brake pads periodically- rotors once or twice over that period

moved to Nj and over the course of 3 years have had to replace brake pads and rotors on all 4 wheels of RX350 , replaced rear brake pads and rotors on rear wheels of ES350 2 years ago and now they replaced front wheels pads and rotors (2 different shops)

reason given - they’re making the rotors cheaper - metal warps /rusts

Is there any truth to this - how do I know if I’m being taken?

 

I have a 2014 Lexus ES350 for 7 years and multiple versions of RX 350 for about 15 years
I had used a mechanic in the Bronx for 30 years
during that time I would have brake pads replaced periodically- rotors replaced once or twice

I moved to NJ - : years ago and have used 2 different mechanics during that time

since then I have been told I need to replace pads and rotors on all 4 wheels of RX350 and now 2 years apart - rear wheels of Es350 and now front wheels

reason given - they are making rotors much cheaper- they rust warp

am I being taken - is there truth to these claims

how can I check brakes/ rotors myself without much trouble ( I’m 73)

any suggestions/ comments greatly appreciated

thank you

 

I would use OEM parts from Lexus or Toyota.

 

I also use OEM parts for brakes on my Lexus.

I have used Centric rotors on my last Acura and they were fine (but I was also putting a ton of miles on that vehicle).

OEM cost is reasonable especially considering that you can go 60,000+

 

I get about 80k-100k km (50-60k miles) out of a set of OEM pads and rotors.


Rotors rust, but have not had warping issue. Rusting is due to our winters and road salt.

If the brakes are hit with water or road puddle splash they warp.

I find the worst thing is car wash since the rotors could still be hot and they will be sprayed with water.

 

I followed this video and was able to do it in an hour or so. Super easy, no problems. Was trying to release the brakes with my VCX NANO & techstream initially and it wasn't working but this did.

 

Dear group members, I'm new here and have a request for your help. I need to change the brake pads on my Lexus RX350 for the first time. Could someone provide me with some guidance or tips on how to perform this procedure? It would also be helpful to know if I should use only the original parts in this case. If you have a list of the necessary tools for the job, that would be awesome as well. Thank you in advance for your support.

Adriano
Phoenix AZ

 

This weekend, I replaced the brakes on my 2022 RX350. However, I accidentally forgot to reconnect one of the electronic parking brake motors, which triggered an EPB Malfunction message. Even after plugging it back in, the code wouldn't clear, and I couldn’t find any solutions online besides visit the dealership or buy techstream. Eventually, I disconnected the car battery for 30 minutes, which reset the code, and the EPB engaged properly. Glad I was able to avoid a trip to the dealership.

 

Good to know about the reset, although you shouldn't need to disconnect the motor is you use the built in EPB retraction function.....it retracts and reengages the EPB with button sequence from the driver seat. Very easy.

Viktor made a video and this is what I used.

 

I did the EPB release using his video, but I unplugged it to get the caliper out of my way to remove the caliper bracket.

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How many miles do you have on your 2022? A little early for the brake replacement? Did you use Lexus pads and rotors?