pewterss

So normally I buy pads from ebay,..... Lexus OEM from the dealer in AZ. But this time around I was in a pinch and needed brakes. So I bought Wagner QS, they seem great. now I drove to Vegas and decided to check the pads in the rear, and there pretty damn low, ssooooooooo I purchased some Duralast Golds tonight. Guy was even like once they wear out, bring them back for a free replacement. I was like umm what...lol I am just curious for those of you that have the Duralast Gold pads, any issues with them from your experience. Thanks much in advance.

-J

pewterss

Well got them installed, so far so good. They bite nicely and no squeaks.

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

I've used them before on my older vehicles. They hold up well over time. I would recommend the Akebono pads for next time. You can find them at RockAuto.com

pewterss

Thanks for the suggestion. Will most def give them a try at the next change. When I was searching here if anyone had input on the Duralast I saw a bunch of you guys using them.
For future ref I'm posting the link to them here:
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....444563&jsn=408

SeanO

iTrader: (1)

Been ordering a lot of parts for some of my other vehicles off of Rock Auto lately, good prices even when shipping to canada and great selection..

I'll probably purchase pads from there for the Lex this spring

Mike_1GO

iTrader: (2)

I have a set of gold rear pads waiting to be installed. Let us know how they hold up and if they start to squeak.

AARONHL

Who goes to vatozone if the akebono pads are only like $40? I did a front brake job (rotors and pads) for like $140 shipped using the Centric rotors and akebnono pads. Hard to find a better setup for the price....

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

lol vatozone! I bought gold pads for my beater cars with no issues but you should surely put a more quality pad in there for the lexus.
squeaking is usually due to poor lubrication on the shims and improper bedding/break-in.

bryceis250

whats the basis for your Akebono recommendation? just curious. I too am looking to buy better brakes and rotors but feel overwhelmed with all the different prices and brands

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

This thread is from the LS forums. It best describes the Akebono pads in general.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-4th-gen-2007-2017/616635-akebono-ceramic-brake-pads-the-who-why-and-where-to-get-them-at-a-great-price.html

pewterss

ok so here's an update. These pads really blow. They work as in they STOP the car. Buuuuutttt, serious amounts of brake dust and after about a 1000k miles, squeaks. I'm getting ready to replace them soon, can't stand the noise. #$%&@#

I think this time around, I'm gonna also paint the calipers then the new brakes. Sunset Orange color or that burnt Orange.

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

Did you get the brake rotors resurfaced? Also did you properly bed the brakes in?

pewterss

no and yes. I don't usually get them resurfaced, and never had an issue. I know it's best to do it for optimum brake performance, BUT you don't lose that much and the rotors aren't warped. If they were then I'd get them resurfaced.
as for bedding them in, yes def did.

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

Last week I installed some raybestos hybrids. My rears we're also worn down after 2 years. Bed the new ones in so far so good on non resurfaced rotors.

Here are some links on the Duralast. Even some ISF guys seem to run them for their low dust. I had them on a GS400 which is a heavy car, and didn't experience problems. Akebonos they did squeak sometimes in the morning like once on the IS250. Which is because the rotors tend to rust overnight some. Now I'm running the Hybrids the humidity will be here soon in Texas. So time will tell if they Squeak in the mornings. As they are part ceramic, and metallic blend.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-f-2008-2014/850768-affordable-front-brake-job.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-f-2008-2014/827239-installed-new-pads-however-not-making-full-contact-on-rotor.html

pewterss

Just wanted to post an update here and also thank MikeFig for the post. So I have the Duralast Golds in the rear, and Wagners in the front. Between these 2 sets I have to say I like the Wagners better mainly because of the dust level. When I get home later today, I will take a quick pic of the fronts and rears so you can all see. The fronts (Wagner) have minimal amts of dust, the rears (Duralast Gold) have a good deal of dust, almost looks like I have black chrome... so maybe its cool ha
I think in a few months I will buy new rotors for the front, and rear and either go back to OEM, or go with AKEBONO's that many of you have suggested from my post and from others I have read when searching the forum for AKEBONO, really like what I have been reading.