DreaMzZ

My car needs new brakes pretty badly. I wanted to get a rotor + pad front and rear combo and just do them all same time. Can someone link me a good full set of rear + front brakes? I found some on eBay but they dont look that great. Also, if the Supra TT brakes or LS400 brakes are a direct bolton with no mods to work then please link me a good set of those online to get if those are better. Thanks for any help!

Yohan84

The ls400 brakes you will need to cut the dust shield so they can fit. Also you will need ls400 bolts to mount them or use your bolts with washers to shorten them up. Also you need at least a 17' wheel and the design don't go in to far or the wheels won't fit. And whatever way you go don't even buy cheap brake pads. I made that mistake and now have to take them off and get better ones because my sc400 sounds like a 18 wheeler trying to stop lol

DreaMzZ

Lol thanks for the info. My SC is stock for now so I don't really need the extra braking power and really dont want to do things such as cutting a dust shield and getting new parts to make LS brakes work.. So does anyone have a good suggestion for good stock brakes to order online? Do supra brakes fit directly with no mods?

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

DreaMzZ,

It is the pretty much the same conversion procedure for the 95-00 LS400 front calipers as for the Supra TT brakes.

In either case you have to:

A) Cut down the dust shields
B) Totally cut off the dust shields and replace them with 1993-98 Supra TT dust shields (which work for both TT or LS400 calipers). You can do this without totally dismantling the hub but cutting a notch in the old dust shields to remove them and cutting a similar notch in your TT dust shields and sliding them on. Four bolts hold each side in place and they will NOT be compromised by doing this.

This extra step is the most complicated aspect to the process.

However, since you say you are happy as is and that you don't feel you need any extra braking power then you could just do a normal brake job. Any stock size solid (non drilled or slotted) rotor from Brembo or Centric and a set of Hawk HPS pads would do very well.

The LS400 calipers or Supra TT calipers are superior and I do highly recommend either but if you're in a bind right now I think you should focus on just getting your stock brakes redone and have peace of mind.

FYI, you actually have better brakes than 1992-1997 SC300's to begin with.

All 1998-2000 SC300's came with the same slightly larger brakes from the SC400 (all years) and MKIV Supra Non-Turbo. A bit safer than the truly undersized ones from the earlier SC300's.

DreaMzZ

Thanks for the info Kahn! Could you post me a good link for stock 2000 SC brakes? Ive found different ones online and no idea how to differentiate a good set from a bad set. I wouldnt mind drilled/slotted rotors either.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

I have generally bought my aftermarket brake pads and rotors from Tirerack. Plenty of other places you can go to as well.

I think Hawk HPS pads are a good change from stock. Also someone recently recommended Axxis SBG semi-mettalics.

Here's a recent review of the Hawk HPS pads on Supra TT front calipers (applies to LS400 calipers as well). I also loved using Hawk HPS pads on a Honda Prelude I owned previous to my SC. They put out some dust but were just great on that car's factory braking system. Good high performance street pad.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...ad-review.html


For SC rotors I've so far been happy with plain Centric NON-drilled/slotted discs. I used to buy Brembo plain aftermarket stock size rotors but I don't think they're made for the SC any longer. Either way it's just a good plain face rotor that I'd recommend.

Sorry but I don't hold much value in slotted or drilled discs unless the braking system was designed for them originally. Caliper changes? Different story.

DreaMzZ

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/resul...0&autoModClar=

Thanks for the advice, I think ill go with the centric ones. Is the Plain 120 series, High carbon 125 series, or High carbon cryo treated better bang for the buck?

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

You know, I don't really know the differences between the three different Centric rotor options. Those weren't available before. I just went with the Plain 120 versions a while back. They've worked fine with my TT brakes with OEM TT pads.

However... I see that Brembo is once again offering a set of their plain factory replacements. I was using those before I switched to Centrics but one day they didn't show up any longer so I just went with the next best plain rotor option. I do think the Centrics are just fine but I used to use the *plain* OEM replacement Brembos before and I'd recommend those too.

But not any of the expensive slotted/drilled options... even those by Brembo. Unless it's for one of their own full braking system conversion kits (which doesn't apply here).

Kris9884

iTrader: (7)

I'm a big fan of factory OEM rotors with upgraded pads. If you want to upgrade to the LS400/Supra brakes that would be that much better for stopping power and then you would be more than fine using OEM stuff. No point using drilled/slotted unless you are tracking the car, otherwise they'll never get hot enough to even need the vents. FYI linking someone an outside link will get a thread closed/deleted, its against the rules unless you are an approved vendor.

vboyd

Hi,
Is this correct? "All 1998-2000 SC300's came with the same slightly larger brakes from the SC400 (all years)". Have been trying to find OEM rotors for 1998 SC300. eBay has a listing for Brembo 43512-24051 but Lexus parts told me that is for SC400. Really trying to keep all parts OEM but they discontinued the rotors. The part # for 1998 SC300 is 43512-24041.
Thank you.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

I posted that some years back and yes it is correct. From model year 1998-2000 the SC300 and SC400 had the same size brakes front and rear. 1992-1997 SC300's had smaller front and rear brakes than all 1992-2000 SC400's. Also, for whoever this may help, Supra MKIV NA's and Toyota Soarer Z30 1JZ-GTE and 1UZ-FE models all had those same SC400 and 98-00 SC300 size brakes from the factory.

Both the part numbers you listed are front OEM rotors for 1992-2000 SC400 & 1998-2000 SC300. Both right and left are identical apparently.

P/N 43512-24051 is discontinued within the Toyota/Lexus parts system.
P/N 43512-24041 is superseded by P/N 43512-50100 and is still available to order from a Toyota/Lexus dealer.

If Brembo makes OEM Direct Fit plain rotors those are excellent to use. Same with Centric aftermarket plain rotors.

vboyd

Thank you so much KahnBB6. Extreme attention to detail... did some research 43512-24051 (superseded by 43512-50100) does indeed fit 1998 SC300 but only production date 08/1998 and thereafter. Production date for my 1998 SC300 is 10/1997. Darn it, was so hopeful.
So I'm back to 43512-24041 which supersedes 43512-24061. Cannot find ANY in U.S. have been looking for months now to the point brakes are shuddering, car is at Lexus dealer for repair waiting on me to get these rotors. Have tried 3X pre-owned (trying to keep 100% OEM), none met minimum spec requirements.
Last resort is to order from Amayama (they supposedly have 43512-24061) or Megazip (both Japan). Otherwise it's attempt Raybestos or Napa but here again would need to confirm VIN/production date.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

If you have a 1998 SC300 then you *should* have the larger rotors fitted. Good thing you checked the production build dates but I do think you will find that the SC400 sized rotors will fit you 1998 model.

As an alternative, IF you indeed have the previous smaller front rotors and calipers for whatever reason... why not just upgrade to the 1998-2000 SC300 & 1992-2000 SC400 size front rotors, calipers and dust shields? This would be a must-do upgrade in my personal opinion as I found the 1992-1997 size front brakes dangerously inadequate for even normal safe braking scenarios with such a heavy car intended for spirited driving.

The larger OEM front brake setup will fit under stock wheels, too.

Better than that, if you feel you want a *very* pronounced night and day braking upgrade, you could collect the parts needed to upgrade to 1995-2000 LS400 front brake calipers and rotors.... arguably brakes that should have come standard on all of the SC models or at least on the manual and V8 cars or as a sport package option from the factory. They will require at least a 17" diameter rim with enough offset to clear the calipers but most people have at least 17's or 18's on their cars today anyway. It is VERY worth it to upgrade to the 95-00 LS400 front brake setup over stock.

...

I honestly think you will find that you have the larger SC400 size front brakes on your car from the factory despite the build date notes but if this is not the case I would not hesitate to upgrade to either the stock SC400 front brake setup or the 95-00 LS400 front brake setup.

At the very least, upgrading to the SC400 stock front brake setup (calipers, rotors and dust shields or trimmed dust shields) would bring your 98 SC300 into line with other 1998+ SC model braking setups.

....

Also I do understand your desire to stay with OEM parts as much as possible. I do this too as much as I can throughout much of my SC... although there are benefits to copying what many other owners have done over the years by upgrading aspects of the car with other parts directly from the Toyota/Lexus parts bin. This is exactly what Toyota/Lexus often does when they differentiate one trim level or mid-cycle revision from another.

For what it's worth as to rotors, OEM is certainly the best you can get but when it comes down to it the Brembo blank rotors and Centric blank rotors have never once given me any issues whatsoever for the 13 years I have been using my SC as a daily driver. My car has had the MKIV Supra Twin Turbo braking system fitted since 2011 and I have used either Brembo blank or Centric blank rotors ever since. I have never had any issues in terms of quality, reliability and long lasting stopping power with either brand aftermarket rotor.

I also would not doubt either brand blank aftermarket rotor in terms of quality, safety and durability when used with a stock 1998-2000 SC300 & 1992-2000 SC400 braking system or in an SC converted with a 1995-2000 LS400 front braking setup.

I order specialized parts from Amayama semi-regularly myself but something as heavy as any OEM brake rotor is in my opinion not worth the shipping cost involved when perfectly good plain aftermarket rotors can be had in the U.S. for less overall cost shipped.

vboyd

Hi KahnBB6,
THANK YOU so much for very informative post that I was receptive to understanding. So much so, contacted Lexus Service where car currently resides waiting for me to get parts, asked them to verify actual OEM rotors on the car. They are the smaller 43512-24041. Also my rims are 16". So I don't think the conversion to SC400 rotors are going to work in this case. They gave me an additional lengthy list of non-brake repairs needed so not in a financial position to start changing rims, calipers, etc.
After exhaustive, insane research if I want to keep stock OEM (which I do), considering Amayama or Megazip but it appears they only have (1) part # 43512-24061 (preceding 24041). Amayama, Megazip, en.impex-jp.com all have multitude poor reviews, high risk ratings and questionable business practices (have to place order/purchase first then after some time informed part not available then it gets ugly trying to get money back. Most people ended up having to file claim w/Paypal, etc.).
The only other stock option is pre-owned/used out of Japan:
https://autoparts.beforward.jp/detai...rs/PA68581015/
For aftermarket, agree Brembo or Centric but not available in my size. I had contacted Lexus Corporate to open a case (for inquiry). The Parts Specialist put me in touch with his father who is 40+ years Parts Manager at Dallas Lexus. He has been trying to help me but out of office until Tuesday.
Thank you so much for your information. I think for many others who want the ultra performance and upgrades you are excellent experienced resource but I am very conservative everyday driver just trying to keep car exactly as it was.
So many thanks and appreciation!
Sincerely,
Vicky Boyd

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Vicky, you are most welcome and again I do understand your desire to keep things OEM and simple, especially given that you are currently in a bit of a spot trying to get your SC back on the road.

I can only say that the "mild" upgrade to the SC400 size calipers and rotors is not at all an ultra-performance kind of modification. Maybe not at this time but later on I do think it should still be worth considering to stay with a Lexus SC specific braking system but one which is both easier to find the needed service parts for and also which improves your overall braking performance. It would not at all take away from your desire to use the car conservatively and it would be a configuration that most 1998 (and all 1999 and all 2000) SC300's came with.

It would be recommended to buy the slightly larger SC brake calipers used and have them rebuilt with the OEM seal kits. I don't know what Lexus or Toyota would charge for them brand new. These are VERY strong and robust parts new or used.

The 1992-2000 SC400 & later 98+ SC300 size brake calipers and rotors and rear dust shields will all fit under your stock original 16" rims. That would not be a problem at all.

...It is only when upgrading to the 1995-2000 LS400 front calipers and rotors or Supra Twin Turbo front calipers and rotors when you would need to switch to a set of 17" or 18" rims. Factory wheels from several that other Lexus models came with can be used for that.

But per your intentions for your 1998 SC300 an upgrade to LS400 or Supra TT brake calipers are not necessary. It is only the factory SC400 calipers and rotors (aka same as mid-98 to 2000 SC300 calipers and rotors) configuration which I think could be an overall beneficial change for your car later on.

Right now I feel you are making a sound decision to just get your existing parts replaced as the car is currently configured. When your car is in the shop it is probably not a good time to consider and arrange a change in configuration.

....

Megazip and en.impex-jp-dot-com I have no experience with and thus cannot recommend to you. I just don't know what they are like.

However I have had MANY years of experience with Amayama and I certainly can recommend them to you. I have always found them to be reliable and extremely thorough when ordering literally ANY part in the Toyota/Lexus system no matter how rare or obscure. As long as it is available overseas and as long as Toyota allows them to ship it to the U.S. (which is almost always overwhelmingly the case) then they can get it to you. Their EMS shipping option is the best value and reliable but they can also use Fedex at higher shipping cost. Their lowest tier shipping (Japan Surface Mail) is not to be used as it is far too slow. Either of the other higher tier shipping options have always served me well with zero issues.

I do not hesitate to recommend Amayama if you can't find your OEM rotors from a USA dealer. I have purchased a huge number of parts from their online system for years now and they are always genuine brand new OEM Toyota/Lexus parts and the company has always come through for me.

Also I recommend MyLParts via online ordering if they have the part number you are looking for in stock. Also a very good and helpful dealer. They are located in California and are the web ordering front end of Lexus of Roseville.

Barring either of those I am sure that your dealer parts manager will be able to help you track down a set of the smaller rotors : )


...

Edit:

I did a little looking on the Amayama and MyLParts websites and indeed it seems that rotor P/N 43512-24041 is discontinued in the U.S. and overseas. However while P/N 43512-24061 is discontinued in the U.S (unless your parts guy can find one misplaced in the Toyota/Lexus national warehouse) that rotor *IS* indeed available through Amayama.

Yet there is something to keep in mind: Sometimes Amayama still lists a part that is discontinued in the U.S. because no one has requested it on a formal order yet. Sometimes it may be that this part is *still* available in Japan and miraculously you CAN still order it through them and that order will complete and ship out.

However if a part is discontinued in the U.S. Toyota/Lexus parts system you can be that it may not be too long before it gets listed on the Amayama system as discontinued as well... because either no one has requested that part through them recently post-discontinuation so as to confirm its discontinuation.... OR you may get lucky in that there are some remaining new examples available that haven't fully sold out in Japan yet.

I have looked up so many obscure old parts in this way (not just from a Lexus SC but from other Toyota/Lexus models) for years through a combination of U.S. dealer parts departments and overseas through Amayama that I've experienced this several times.

My recommendation? Place your order for x2 43512-24061 rotors through Amayama and see what happens. Once you formally complete the order they will inform you when they either have the parts you requested ready to ship out or if they were unable to procure them after all. If they cannot get them because they just didn't know yet that the part is also sold out and discontinued in Japan then you will be refunded in full for what you paid.

Every time I took a gamble with them on a very rare part or likely discontinued part that they initially list as available they have ALWAYS refunded me in full with apology for not being able to get the part(s) I requested.

....

In the worst case scenario you will always be able to find these smaller size SC front brake rotors on in aftermarket types. It will always be possible to make your SC300 whole again