Lexus factory brake "upgrade" for the IS??
03-02-10, 04:19 PM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
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Lexus factory brake "upgrade" for the IS??
Ladies and Gents,
A friend of mine who owns an IS-250 AWD said that the last time he was at the dealership for some work, the service advisor told him that there was a Lexus sponsored brake "upgrade" program and that they would replace his front brake pads at no cost. The friend said that the service advisor said the upgrade was applicable to all IS's. Anyone hear of this program and, if so, does it apply to the IS-F as well? Thanks in advance!
A friend of mine who owns an IS-250 AWD said that the last time he was at the dealership for some work, the service advisor told him that there was a Lexus sponsored brake "upgrade" program and that they would replace his front brake pads at no cost. The friend said that the service advisor said the upgrade was applicable to all IS's. Anyone hear of this program and, if so, does it apply to the IS-F as well? Thanks in advance!
03-02-10, 04:23 PM
#2
Tech Info Resource
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Not true for the IS-F. Only the IS250 and IS350. It's not an "upgrade" it's intended to reduce the amount of dust the brakes leave all over the wheels.
03-02-10, 04:50 PM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
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I am astounded to hear this and to find out that the stooges at Lexus engineered this for the baby IS's knowing all along that the IS-F needs this mod far more than the other cars. Makes me sick to my stomach to hear this and please don't think I am shooting the messenger as it isn't my intention.
03-02-10, 06:03 PM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
Does the IS-F suffer from excessive front brake dust (like the IS250/IS350)? That's what the revised front pads address.
03-02-10, 08:15 PM
#7
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its the pros/cons
The IS-F does suffer from it because the rotors are cross-drilled (eats up pads quicker) and they are soft as well as the pads. There are no updated pads for the IS-F. It's normal to get excessive dust from a performance car.
The updated pads for the ISX50 reduce dust, however, braking power is greatly diminished and the driver will notice it right away. The "bite" is gone. If you want the updated pads you can get them warrantied at your dealer if your car applies. Lexus does not offer a "upgrade program." That service adviser is just referring to the updated pads.
I recommend sticking with the original pads, you'll regret the braking feel with the new pads. It's just an option that Lexus gives to customers, which is great for those that complain about the dust.
FWIW I work in parts at Lexus of Westminster
Last edited by K3RRYB; 03-02-10 at 08:18 PM.
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03-02-10, 11:09 PM
#8
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FWIW, I had the low dust pads on my IS350 for 40k miles. They lost nothing but the dust. They were great street pads with excellent feel. There was zero performance loss from my perspective.
03-03-10, 07:04 AM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Good golly man this is incredible to hear! I hope Lexus had/has everyone sign a release acknowledging the fact that the braking power is diminished or there will be a rash of lawsuits from everyone in an IS who rear-ends another vehicle because (s)he couldn't stop in time. Good luck Toyota and you have my sympathies!
03-03-10, 07:07 AM
#10
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Yes the brake dust is way past excessive and, even worse, the dust is corrosive and eats the finish on the wheels. I've had my wheels refinished under warranty after only 5k miles even though I cleaned them religiously prior to that. I changed to Carbotech pads and have almost zero dusting and the braking effect is still as good as the OEM pads IMHO.
Last edited by jkeifer3; 03-03-10 at 07:17 AM.
03-03-10, 07:56 AM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
Braking power is not diminished. The bite is not gone, whatever that is. Only a very slight improvement in modulation is noticed and it's unlikely most drivers will even notice that.
Note: I had the low dust pads installed in May 2009.
Last edited by IS-SV; 03-03-10 at 10:41 AM.
03-03-10, 09:32 AM
#14
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Yes the brake dust is way past excessive and, even worse, the dust is corrosive and eats the finish on the wheels. I've had my wheels refinished under warranty after only 5k miles even though I cleaned them religiously prior to that. I changed to Carbotech pads and have almost zero dusting and the braking effect is still as good as the OEM pads IMHO.
Also, do they have a rear application as well??
Brake Dust is a biotch on the IS-F!!!
Thanks
Joe Z
Last edited by Joe Z; 03-03-10 at 09:41 AM.
03-03-10, 09:34 AM
#15
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same here. had the pads replaced and no noticable decrease in performance, although I would imagine at the extreme margin, there's some difference. Just not worth all the excess dust for me. marginal benefit vs marginal cost...