I did my brake pads, front and rear (@ 31,000 miles) and it is pretty straighforward.

I bought the OEM pads from Sewell Lexus. I had the Rotors turned at the Dealer.

I took some pics and probably can write it up a a simple DIY. If there is some interest, I will.

 

I would like to see a write up and photos.

Btw, why did you turn the rotors? Were they warped or extremely grooved or did they sell you on the idea that they need to be turned with each set of pads?

Gary

 

They were "warped" according to the dealer (I complained about vibration). Here's the catch...they would not replace the pads since they were below 3 mm thick (which they were not..I measured them).

They wanted to charge me for the warranty work.... But since I had the pads already bought, I did it myself and the advisor had the FRONT rotors turned according to the Report (but actually had the rears turned, too).

So go figure.

 

Bought the Front and Rear pads, OEM, Toyota. ~ $95.00.

 

Here's the Front prior to dis-assembly:

 

Remove bottom slide pin, swing up and tie caliper.

 

Remove old pads, transfer anti-squeel shims and wear indicator. Put grease in between shims.

 

Install new pads. Use a mirror to help you snap in the pad on the back side of the rotor.

 

Installed new pads. Ready to bolt caliper.

 

Assembled with new Front pads!

 

I will do the rears tomorrow! Good luck with the DIY'ers! I did not get a chance to clean up the calipers, etc.. But will tear them down again soon. For the grease, I had left over grease from a Honda caliper kit, that's what I used. I have to find out exactly what Lexus uses for the GREASE as specified by the manual. Anybody?

 

Did you have to push piston in brake cylinder in with special tool, or your caliper fit right over. Usually new pads are thicker than the old ones, so you have to push piston in for clearance.

 

I used a C Clamp. Before you start, you will need to suck out some brake fluid for it not to spill over. I used a baster. Be very careful in hnadling brake fluid. It will damage the paint. Do it carefully. Be sure to fill it back up to the max line with fresh fluid after you are all done.

 

Great photos. Thank you. I suspected that these calipers pivoted on the upper caliper bolt since my Acura did the same thing. Why did it take the Japanese engineers to figure out that technique whereby the bottom bolt gets removed, you pivot on the upper and swap out your pads. Btw, in the other brake jobs I have done, I have usually not needed to extract excess brake fluid, as long as I have not added fluid between changes. I will copy the photos and archive them on my computer.

Thanks again,
Gary

 

You don't want the reservoir to overflow in the engine bay. Brake fluid will eat the paint. If you dont have a baster, use a clean bottle cap to scoop out fluid.

I have found the flavor injector (looks like a hypodermic needle for horses) ...left over from fried turkey (from thanksgiving) a very useful tool.

Salim