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Is everyone performing a proper bed-in procedure when swapping in new pads and rotors. This can't be unique to Lexus but I have never heard of people have so many noise issues except for when the brakes were not set up properly. It's absolutely crucial to have this done, especially on slotted and /or drilled rotors. This is a good resource - https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret....jsp?techid=85
Yes, I did bed-in my Centric Posi-Quiet pads. Did about 10x (40-5mph) runs. And 6x (60-20mph). Still squeal like crazy. In fact, it squeal even louder after it got hot. Akebono specifically stated that no bed-in procedures are required for their ceramic pads. I still did same bed-in procedure as the Centric, still squealing. I don't think it has anything to do with the pads. Probably something to do with aftermarket rotor weight or material or Lexus caliper design that tend to cause squealing. And yes, I've already read that Tirerack article.
Yeah seriously. It's pissing me off so much I wasted so much time and money with these stupid brakes. I've never had any car that was so picky with front brakes. I can swap back my OE brakes as they're still in good condition, only had 25K miles on them. But that means going back to my mechanic and another $120 to swap brakes. Plus $650 down the toilet for the StopTech rotors and pads. Could try to swap them myself to save a few bucks but I don't have a jack and don't feel like killing myself. Lesson learned I guess Anyone reading this, don't even try anything aftermarket with the F Sport brakes. Go with OEM 2pc rotors save yourself the grief.
Hey jdpdata... your setup looks good, really good... if I were you, I wouldn't give up, I'd buy a jack and get my hands dirty. Brake squealing is caused by vibrations, but with braking systems, there are several different variables that can cause vibrations at different times and under differing circumstances. The common cure for most is brake grease in the right spots so as to stop the two surfaces from vibrating against each other. And it seems that with our brakes, you have to make sure the grease is on the right surfaces. It's also possible that cleaning the wheels can wash away some of the grease/lubricant, causing squeals to come back. I'd be taking the wheels off and checking the greased areas whenever the squeal returns, a lot of trial and error to find a solution.
As trusted as your mechanic might be, there only a limited amount of time he's willing to spend, troubleshooting to solve your issue. He will do what solves the squeal for most cars, but unfortunately the 4GS does not seem to behave like most cars.
Take a look at a few videos. I found one by Porsche to be pretty good in helping to understand the cause behind the squeals, and sometimes the squealing is just the way it is. There's got to be a solution, but it may very well take a lot of time and effort to solve.
@chinee Thanks for the encouragement! I do have promising news. Today it was warmer outside, 75*, I did some spirited driving 40-5mph runs and the brakes did not squeal. Slamming on the brakes, no squeal. Only time it squeal was normal stopping 5-0mph, and even that it only squeal like 20% of the time. I think the warmer weather and getting my pads hotter is the key to minimizing squeals. You may have nailed it right that I may need to take off wheel and check lube in specific areas were metal-to-metal contact occurs..that's where my squeal is originating. These Akebono are definitely much quieter than the Centric Posi-Quiet I had on before, those would squeal anytime I touch the brakes. Anyways, I will find some time next weekend to take wheels off and apply some more lube, meanwhile I'll try to burnish the pads in some more. Only got 250 miles on the new Akebono pads, I need to drive some more.
@chinee Thanks for the encouragement! I do have promising news. Today it was warmer outside, 75*, I did some spirited driving 40-5mph runs and the brakes did not squeal. Slamming on the brakes, no squeal. Only time it squeal was normal stopping 5-0mph, and even that it only squeal like 20% of the time. I think the warmer weather and getting my pads hotter is the key to minimizing squeals. You may have nailed it right that I may need to take off wheel and check lube in specific areas were metal-to-metal contact occurs..that's where my squeal is originating. These Akebono are definitely much quieter than the Centric Posi-Quiet I had on before, those would squeal anytime I touch the brakes. Anyways, I will find some time next weekend to take wheels off and apply some more lube, meanwhile I'll try to burnish the pads in some more. Only got 250 miles on the new Akebono pads, I need to drive some more.
This is awesome news for me being in FL. I can deal with squeal 2 months out of the year if the temp is factor!
This is awesome news for me being in FL. I can deal with squeal 2 months out of the year if the temp is factor!
Temperature is definitely a factor. Yesterday it was chilly and drizzling. Squeal more often. Today much warmer and dry, less squeal. Guys in BMW forum reported same thing. Most have minimal squeak once pads warms up.
...and when my 18 F Sport was new, the brakes squealed for the first 1,000 miles or so, especially when going through the drive-through lanes. I shook my head that such a fairly expensive car was emitting such an embarrassing sound. Even now when backing out of the garage I hear sounds from the brakes, not squeal but clearly softer grinding and groans. (what a description huh?) There’s still a chance the squeal will go away on its own, but that squeal sure is annoying...!
Here you go, I snapped a bunch more photos.Vanes are e-coated as well. Hope these rotors don't rust like my OEM.
Just noticed the drilled holes on fronts are not as tapered as the rear. Not 100% match, but I doubt anyone would notice once they're mounted.
Front - front face Front - back face Rear - Front face Rear - back face Front Vanes Rear Vanes Drilled holes comparison front/rear
Are the front rotor vanes directional like the OEM rotors?
Why don’t you all just buy the OEM 2 Piece Rotor, OEM Shim Kit and OEM Brake pads? Just don’t want you guys to spend more money with trial and error on these brake noise. I’ve been there and what I can truly say is, please save yourself the headache and go with OEM. These F Sport brake system is very picky for the front.
Why don’t you all just buy the OEM 2 Piece Rotor, OEM Shim Kit and OEM Brake pads? Just don’t want you guys to spend more money with trial and error on these brake noise. I’ve been there and what I can truly say is, please save yourself the headache and go with OEM. These F Sport brake system is very picky for the front.
Agree OE pads and rotors are the way to go. You can repaint the hat and sides of the original rotors, make it look good as new. The slots and holes look cool, but not practical on a street car, probably chew through your pads faster. less surface area for the pads to grip, greater risk of cracking, and virtually impossible to resurface.
Yeah, stick with OEM. These StopTech rotors are ****. Squealing like hell. I haven't had a chance to do anything about it. Will probably swap back OEM rotors soon.
Stevens Creek Lexus has a really good deal now for OEM brakes, rotors and shims. $529 for all of those not including tax and shipping. Original price for the F Sport front rotors by itself were $600. I guess they are on sale before the Holidays. You can all thank me later 😉
05-01-19, 02:50 PM
Anyone reading this, don't even try anything aftermarket with the F Sport brakes. Go with OEM 2pc rotors save yourself the grief.
