brake pad replacement options?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 16, 2009 | 03:27 PM

uschardcor

Thread Starter

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 879

Likes: 0

From: SC

brake pad replacement options?

I'm not really interested in changing my entire braking system but my rear pads are needing replacing and I'm curious if there are any better options than the stock ones, and if so should I order them and have someone install them vs. going to the dealership and dealing with their premiums.

searched around, didn't find anything definitive. saw some people discussing EBC red/green/blue stuff brakes and apparently they are good at being performers with low dust. interested in other opinions...

Dec 1, 2009 | 06:48 PM

JoeChaz

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

From: CA

Forget the dealer

I purchased Akabono's for $57.95 (on line). Installation and resurfacing of rotors by my local mechanic- $82. 2004 ES 330

Ditto on timing belt and water pump and fan belts. $485 (parts and labor). Dealer wanted $888 (estimate).

Dec 1, 2009 | 07:09 PM

Kurtz

Lexus Fanatic

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 7,810

Likes: 14

From: NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by uschardcor

Unless you race the car on a track the OEM pads will be at least as good as anything else you buy. (and the rears produce very little dust anyway since they don't do much of the braking)

For the fronts if you haven't already get the brake pad TSIB done- Free pads from the dealership and they produce a LOT less dust than the originals did.

Unless there's something wrong with them (ie a really deep groove or something) if you're replacing with the OEM pads there's no reason to do anything to the rotors

Jul 6, 2010 | 11:49 AM

sirCharles

Lead Lap

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 733

Likes: 2

From: Atlanta, GA

Thanks Kurtz, this is great brake pad advice for most IS drivers.

Jul 6, 2010 | 11:59 AM

quick123

Lexus Test Driver

iTrader: (2)

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 1,391

Likes: 17

From: GA

If you do bring it in for the TSB on brake dust, make sure to tell them of vibration when braking...I just got a new set of front rotors under warranty with the updated brake pads

Jul 6, 2010 | 12:39 PM

Kurtz

Lexus Fanatic

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 7,810

Likes: 14

From: NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by quick123

If you do bring it in for the TSB on brake dust, make sure to tell them of vibration when braking...I just got a new set of front rotors under warranty with the updated brake pads

The problem with this advice is you run the risk the dealer might just take a brake lathe to the rotors to "fix" it rather than replacing them with new ones.

At which point you just screwed yourself out of a fair bit of rotor life in exchange for nothing.

Jul 6, 2010 | 12:55 PM

quick123

Lexus Test Driver

iTrader: (2)

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 1,391

Likes: 17

From: GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurtz

You only shave about 2-3mm of the surface off when re-facing rotors...not that much in the grand scheme of things...

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Michael S. Palmer

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Joe Kucinski

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Joe Kucinski

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

Brett Foote

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Michael S. Palmer

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Joe Kucinski

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Brett Foote

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)

Michael S. Palmer

Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!

Joe Kucinski

10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models

Joe Kucinski

Jul 6, 2010 | 02:39 PM

quick123

Lexus Test Driver

iTrader: (2)

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 1,391

Likes: 17

From: GA

^^^ Guess thats why they replaced my rotors today under warranty...I didn't know that the stock rotors were so thin to begin with...

Jul 6, 2010 | 05:19 PM

#10

graphX250

Intermediate

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 259

Likes: 37

From: FL

I have 44,000 miles and haven't paid anything for brakes so far. I have had them replaced twice along with the rotors by the dealership under warranty. the last set of pads that they put on were the ceramic ones. only problem is now I am to the point I have to replace my rotors and pads on my dime. no more freebies.. (down to just under 3mm and have bad grooves in the rotors) I was thinking that as long as I have to do the brakes, to upgrade and install is350 calipers etc.. goes from the 2 piston to a 4 piston caliper and bigger rotor. from a little research, can get the kit from sewell for $723. How many of you guys have done this brake change and would you recomend it or look at other aftermarkets like the Rotara, brembo etc..