Moogy

After getting quoted ~$800 from the dealer to replace the brakes on my 2004 LS430 and seeing I can get the OEM pads myself for $140, I think it's time to do it myself!

I was curious of how many people have replaced the brakes themselves, how much time it took, and how difficult it is - also if you used any guides, or if it's pretty intuitive...

Any information would be helpful.

I haven't worked on a car in over 10 years, and normally I'd just take it in, but I am sick of the prices Lexus is charging and I also don't mind taking a break from work and just... doing something... .heh

Thanks!

juniorEXE

I have only replaced the fronts. You dont even have to take off the calipers to change the pads. One thing to note is that on the passenger side, there is a sensor that clips onto one of the brake pads so be careful not to damage that. Other than that it is a very simple diy.

Moogy

Gotcha. Are the rears the same as the front?

Thanks!

Moogy

BTW I'm looking at these pads - are they truly OEM and is this what I should get (the ones at the top for front)

http://replacement.autopartswarehous...%20Set&dp=true

juniorEXE

I only did the fronts so I dont know if they are the same as the rears. If your not under warranty, buy any aftermarket brand. Its usually cheaper and makes a lot less brake dust the the oem's did. If you are under warranty then I you should buy oem stuff.

Moogy

Yah I'm still under Warranty but only for another 2,000 miles. I'm probably going to buy the extended.

Can anyone here confirm that the backs are any different from the fronts?

Oh BTW juniorEXE - how many hours did it take you to do the fronts?

Thanks!

ntran18

iTrader: (27)

Rears are same as the fronts. From looking at the manual, it should take ~15min to replace the pads once you have access to the calipers.

Lexiss_sc430

iTrader: (2)

Moogy check your PM

ultra63

How worn are your pads? They told me at my 30K that I had worn 30% of the pads.

Moogy

They have 2-3mm left (out of 10mm), so it's about time to change them.

juniorEXE

I took me an hour and a half for both sides

ntran18

iTrader: (27)

While we are on this topic...

What is the minimum thickness of the front & rear rotors?

Lexiss_sc430

iTrader: (2)

Hey Moogy;
I looked thru the site, and the oem pads are 60 bucks so there not that bad. When I read your initial post saying you could pick them up for$140 I thought that was a bit steep.

I would go for the EBC green stuff pads, or get the OEM's if you want to stay safe.

no matter which one you go with you wont regret it, I personally love the aftermarket EBC ones, much less brake dust and great over all performance.

Later on you might want to pick up some of the EBC Red pads for your vette , since they are better suited for a higher performance application.

Moogy

Hey Tommy - thanks! I meant $140 for front and rear

It was great chatting with you today - the information you provided was very helpful. I'll order the pads first thing monday and let you know how things go.

Have a great weekend!

alextv

Can you use the origional shims or do you have to replace with new ones. The repair manual says to replace the shims but to me if the old ones are in good shape I don't see why they could not be used again. It looks like when you buy the brakes the shims are not included. I am close to having to replace mine and have not taken them off to inspect the shims. For those of you who have replaced your brakes please shed some light on this subject......Thanks