zojirushi

Following the suggestion from a few forum members, I decided to change my oem brake pads to Carbotech Bobcats. I used the instructions found on a thread in this forum and also FIG's blog as a guideline on how to do it myself.

Installation went pretty smoothly and I made a few observations. There isn't a specific guide for the rear brakes but it's similar to the front except there is no middle bolt so the rears were even easier than the front.

I didn't use a C-clamp for the rear brakes. Instead I just used my bare hands to push them back towards the caliper( I know i'm strong... j/k :P ). I'm not sure if this will work in the front but I wish I tried because the powder coating on the calipers are really fragile. I caused a few abrasions while trying to remove the pins with the pin punch. I tried to the best of my ability to avoid hitting the caliper but a slight tap would cause the coat to crack. I also caused a few more abrasions while trying to reinstall the pins.

Overall, the brake change was a smooth process. I'd recommend anyone with the correct set of tools to attempt this when the time comes and save yourself the service charge of replacing your brake pads.

I followed Carbotech's instruction for bedding the pads but shortly after that, the pads developed a squeal while coming to a stop. The squealing seems to have subsided after driving around a bit but it returns abruptly sometimes. Is this normal because they're new pads?

dsg03svt

iTrader: (3)

Just curious, why did you change your rear pads? Did you know the dealer will change them for free under a new Lexus Service Bulletin?

To answer your question about new pads squealing, my Hawk ceramics have about 2k miles on then and squeak with light pressure coming to a stop.

zojirushi

I'm familiar with the service bulletin but I was under the impression that Lexus would only replace the rear brakes only if they deemed it necessary. Besides that, my rear pads actually had a good amount of service left. I decided to swap them out because I was growing weary of cleaning the brake dust weekly.

dsg03svt

iTrader: (3)

You may be right on that. My brakes were squeaking after my Hawk install and after reading the Service Bulletin thread I wasn't sure if it was from the fronts or the back. I took it in to Lexus and they went ahead and did them but it didn't stop the noise. From that I determined it was coming from the front and so I can live with it.

Brake dust is a pain. Luckily the backs don't dust as much as the front.

How do your new pads stop? Similar to stock?

zojirushi

So far, they don't feel any different from the stock pads. I haven't been driving my car often enough to really notice the difference. I guess this is a good thing.

melbitoast

iTrader: (1)

Earlier this summer, before I bought the F, I upgraded my brake pads on my IS-250 to ceramic, and I noticed a serious improvement in stopping abilities AND BRAKE DUST. The brake dust was reduced probably 80%. I could go a solid 3 weeks before I could notice much dust build up. That is not the case with the F.

Are the OEM pads on the F ceramic or metal?

PHXF

I have the bobcats on the front only; 90% of the time there is no squeal at all. I do hear it on occasion and a good stomp on the pedal will stop it.
Did you retain the anti-squeal shims and apply a thin layer of anti-squeal grease?

zojirushi

Yes, I reinstalled the metal shims and applied the grease. I now share a similar experience to you as it only squeals when I stop it aggressively. I can live with that in exchange for less dust.

PHXF

actually mine only squeaks when the brakes are cold and at low speeds...and even then, only rarely. If I get on the brakes aggressively it stops and typically doesn't come back for a few days.