My worn brake indicators are making noises. I took off a couple tires and its looks like my fronts and my rears probably need replacement. My car only has 50,000 miles on it.

This being my first Lexus that I've only owned a few months now I have 2 questions.

1) Does 50k miles seem a little soon to replace the brakes?
2) Would it be recommended that I replace the rotors too since I'm already working in there anyway? Basically looking for the life expectency of the rotors as well.

thanks much
AP

 

I have a 04 ES, had brakes replaced around 40000 miles. The rear went bad first. I don't see replacing the rotors, have the car checked out by someone you trust. Be careful, a lot of shops are rip offs, if someone tells you that your rotors need to be replaced, get another opinion. The 05 is a great car. Take care.

Tim

 

thanks for the reply. I will be doing the brake work myself. I would hate to have to go back in again after replacing the pads if there is a shimmy or something like that. I guess the only way I'd know for sure is to bring the rotors somewhere to get looked at.

I've got one buddy that replaces the rotors every time he does the pads I'm just not sure if I should buy into that or not.

 

also, anyone used slotted rotors on their ES330 such as these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lexus...Q5fAccessories

are these basically just for looks or what? Any affect on performance or life or pads/rotors?

thanks

 

For the average driver, I would stick to the stock rotors. The es330 is no race car. I would say slots it rotors would be for cooling, great if your on a race track, not for average street driving.

Tim

 

50K miles is not exactly abnormal, especially if the car is driven more in the city vs highway. I do not think you need to replace the rotors unless they are damaged, especially considering this is your first brake job. I am slightly OCD if you will and my vehicles have around 100K or more with stock rotors. In some cases and with some manufacturers, rotors are very inexpensive and replacing them is the norm. Considering your low mileage and if there is no brake pulsation, I would say replace the pads with oem or a high end aftermarket and you will be just fine.

 

thanks everyone. I have decided I will have my rotors turned (for $10 apiece at the local auto parts store) and then just replace the pads. Hopefully I can pick out the perfect pad that is quiet, performs great, and will last more than 50k.