LS 500 F-Sport Brakes
11-05-18, 10:17 AM
#16
Driver School Candidate
Brake Squeal/Squeak - F Sport Issue Fix released 11/2/2018
L-SB-0041-18
All 2018 model year LS500 F Sport vehicles are equipped with high-friction brake pads, specifically designed for superior braking performance and response. As a result, the brakes may exhibit a squeal or squeak noise. For customers who find these characteristics objectionable, brake pads with alternative material are now available as service parts.
NOTE Any changes made to the brake pad material may result in altered and possibly reduced braking performance and/or feeling under certain driving conditions, including track use. Please note disclosures stated in the LS500 sales information, both in print form and online, and discuss with the customer before installing the alternate brake pads listed in this Service Bulletin. It is an inherent characteristic of materials and design of brake pads used in this high-performance brake system that brake noise/squeal/squeak may result.
L-SB-0041-18
All 2018 model year LS500 F Sport vehicles are equipped with high-friction brake pads, specifically designed for superior braking performance and response. As a result, the brakes may exhibit a squeal or squeak noise. For customers who find these characteristics objectionable, brake pads with alternative material are now available as service parts.
NOTE Any changes made to the brake pad material may result in altered and possibly reduced braking performance and/or feeling under certain driving conditions, including track use. Please note disclosures stated in the LS500 sales information, both in print form and online, and discuss with the customer before installing the alternate brake pads listed in this Service Bulletin. It is an inherent characteristic of materials and design of brake pads used in this high-performance brake system that brake noise/squeal/squeak may result.
03-28-19, 05:19 AM
#17
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I have the same issue with my 2018 LS F sport. My brakes started to squeak around 500 miles and are a total annoyance. I also complained at the dealership about my $102k car sounding like hell and was also told that this is common with the high performance brakes. I was told that the replacement brakes/pads have less braking power and make a different noise, so I would still be stuck hearing brake noise
03-28-19, 05:32 AM
#18
That's not true. You wouldn't hear noise with the change. The Dealer put me on a list to change mine. I won't change them because mine only squeal when it's damp or I have been driving it slow around town for awhile. The brakes are the best I have had on a performance car and on the Interstate at 80 mph they are very effective. If you reverse your car with the brakes on a little it will stop it for awhile. They are meant to be used hard. I just finished a six day trip with a lot of high speed travel and they never squealed once. Incidentally, four different Valets in Miami where you see Ferrari's and Lambo's , etc., every five minutes were obsessed with the car and said they never saw one. Three described it as "beautiful". Mine is Atomic Silver, red interior, with Sport Package. Did a 13 hour trip with it in the Fall. Most comfortable seats. Best sounding. TOM's exhaust. Just looked at new Mercedes 560, 140K. Plastic switches, plastic seat base, etc.
03-28-19, 06:10 AM
#19
That's not true. You wouldn't hear noise with the change. The Dealer put me on a list to change mine. I won't change them because mine only squeal when it's damp or I have been driving it slow around town for awhile. The brakes are the best I have had on a performance car and on the Interstate at 80 mph they are very effective. If you reverse your car with the brakes on a little it will stop it for awhile. They are meant to be used hard. I just finished a six day trip with a lot of high speed travel and they never squealed once. Incidentally, four different Valets in Miami where you see Ferrari's and Lambo's , etc., every five minutes were obsessed with the car and said they never saw one. Three described it as "beautiful". Mine is Atomic Silver, red interior, with Sport Package. Did a 13 hour trip with it in the Fall. Most comfortable seats. Best sounding. TOM's exhaust. Just looked at new Mercedes 560, 140K. Plastic switches, plastic seat base, etc.
03-30-19, 05:59 PM
#20
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
There are multiple variables in each person's experience with their brakes. Some hear a noise, some do not. I find that interesting. The running joke on my LS is that I just need a stop sign and signal lights, and - voila - instant school bus. My brakes do not randomly squeal - they squeal all the time - no matter what the pressure is while braking. It is constant. It is only from the rear brakes. The front does not make a sound. If you were to believe the Porsche video (and physics), then the front brakes should be more susceptible to squealing and not the rear. (front has a larger surface area - more pistons - and so on) I also love the Porsche video with the short and sweet squeal in the brakes. Mine is a chorus of squeals from the moment I press the brakes until I come to a complete stop.
I just turn the ML system up, and I do not hear it.
I do intend to post a video on YouTube of my "school bus" LS and what to expect when you spend >100k at Lexus.
As for reverse in my LS - totally different sound - a lovely hummmmmmm that mimics a LOUD YAWN! I now attribute it to my Lexus installed reverse "alert" system for those that may be behind me.
I shall repeat my post from an earlier date - my Lexus tech sprayed anti-seize spray onto my brakes and rotors because he thought they were "too noisy." TRUE story!
I just turn the ML system up, and I do not hear it.
I do intend to post a video on YouTube of my "school bus" LS and what to expect when you spend >100k at Lexus.
As for reverse in my LS - totally different sound - a lovely hummmmmmm that mimics a LOUD YAWN! I now attribute it to my Lexus installed reverse "alert" system for those that may be behind me.
I shall repeat my post from an earlier date - my Lexus tech sprayed anti-seize spray onto my brakes and rotors because he thought they were "too noisy." TRUE story!
03-30-19, 06:36 PM
#21
Racer
@DrBarlow We experienced exactly what you just described on our 2015 GS F-Sport when the brake pads were changed with what we were told were Lexus OEM pads when they were in fact not OEM at all. It was agonizingly horrible and embarrassing to drive it. "School bus" doesn't do the noise justice. In this case, I feel there's no way what you're experiencing is normal as it matches what we went through.
In our case, the fix was to replace the "OEM" pads with actual OEM pads. If I remember correctly, the non-factory pads that we had installed did not have the shims that prevent the vibrations that lead to the horrible squealing. However, being a brand new car, I'm assuming you don't have enough miles to have needed to replace any pads and are therefore on all factory equipment but I would try to get the dealership to look into the shims if they haven't already as this was the fix in our case.
I'm not sure if you've escalated this to Lexus corporate yet, but if you have & Lexus is unwilling to work with you, I would absolutely capture it and post it on YouTube and share it on Reddit, YouTube, Facebook, etc. as well as posting the video directly on Lexus' social media pages.
Years back I had a fully loaded 2014 Ford Fusion that had a faulty self-parking system (this was just one of many issues with this car. It was an electrical nightmare. It spent nearly 4 months in service over the 11 months I had it. I had escalated the case to the Ford regional service manager and had been working with them during this period to get all these issues sorted out. After meeting lemon law requirements in my state, I requested that they buy it back & after looking into my case, they rejected my request.
This is when I took to social media and did everything I mentioned previously. Long story short, hundreds of thousands of video views later on YouTube alone (I think now it has over 1,000,000 views), Ford agreed to buy it back.
In our case, the fix was to replace the "OEM" pads with actual OEM pads. If I remember correctly, the non-factory pads that we had installed did not have the shims that prevent the vibrations that lead to the horrible squealing. However, being a brand new car, I'm assuming you don't have enough miles to have needed to replace any pads and are therefore on all factory equipment but I would try to get the dealership to look into the shims if they haven't already as this was the fix in our case.
I'm not sure if you've escalated this to Lexus corporate yet, but if you have & Lexus is unwilling to work with you, I would absolutely capture it and post it on YouTube and share it on Reddit, YouTube, Facebook, etc. as well as posting the video directly on Lexus' social media pages.
Years back I had a fully loaded 2014 Ford Fusion that had a faulty self-parking system (this was just one of many issues with this car. It was an electrical nightmare. It spent nearly 4 months in service over the 11 months I had it. I had escalated the case to the Ford regional service manager and had been working with them during this period to get all these issues sorted out. After meeting lemon law requirements in my state, I requested that they buy it back & after looking into my case, they rejected my request.
This is when I took to social media and did everything I mentioned previously. Long story short, hundreds of thousands of video views later on YouTube alone (I think now it has over 1,000,000 views), Ford agreed to buy it back.
03-30-19, 09:55 PM
#22
I have the same issue with my 2018 LS F sport. My brakes started to squeak around 500 miles and are a total annoyance. I also complained at the dealership about my $102k car sounding like hell and was also told that this is common with the high performance brakes. I was told that the replacement brakes/pads have less braking power and make a different noise, so I would still be stuck hearing brake noise
That's not true. You wouldn't hear noise with the change. The Dealer put me on a list to change mine. I won't change them because mine only squeal when it's damp or I have been driving it slow around town for awhile. The brakes are the best I have had on a performance car and on the Interstate at 80 mph they are very effective. If you reverse your car with the brakes on a little it will stop it for awhile. They are meant to be used hard. I just finished a six day trip with a lot of high speed travel and they never squealed once. ....
04-02-19, 06:37 PM
#24
I bought it after a road trip to Yellowstone in my wife's SUV and thought it would be nice to have something quiet for road trips. Just haven't had a chance to take it anywhere yet! It works fine as an in-town car, but I think it would really shine on long trips or in a big city like San Diego with all the freeways.
07-12-24, 01:11 AM
#27
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LS 500 F - Sport brakes
Hello, I am reaching out because I took my 2018 LS 500 F-Sport to the dealer because the brake pad low warning light came on at 36.4K miles. They suggested that they always change rotors with a brake pad change. I am waiting to hear from them but I know from experience that pads can be changed without rotors being changed also. Only if they are damaged. I looked at the rotors through the rims and they looked fine. I was in a 1K mi. road trip when the warning light came on so I had to drive about 700 miles before taking it in. Any thoughts on what they said?
Also I experience the squeeking noise when i first drive the car each day. Backing out the driveway and coming to a stop at the light 100 meters from my house. It usually goes away. Doesn’t bother me that much. But, now I know it’s not just me.
Also I experience the squeeking noise when i first drive the car each day. Backing out the driveway and coming to a stop at the light 100 meters from my house. It usually goes away. Doesn’t bother me that much. But, now I know it’s not just me.
Ok... I am reaching out to the forum and other 2018 LS 500 F-Sport owners to figure out if others have experienced what I am experiencing with my brakes. A few days ago, while driving around town, I started hearing squealing coming from my brakes. It has happened everyday since... Once I have been driving for a bit and the rotors/pads heat up, on a soft brake 45mph and less, the brakes consistently squeal. Rather, ONE of my brakes, the rear right squeals.
I took my vehicle to the dealership today and the shop foreman drove it. The service technician returned to inform me that the tech was able to hear the squealing from the rear right brake. He also stated that this is normal for the F-Sport vehicle. F-Sport brakes, because they are high performance brakes, squeal. They are going to reach out to Lexus and see if there is a "fix" or something that can be done to remedy it. They are going to contact me when they have an answer.
Upon leaving the dealership, I reached out to Lexus. I was again told, after they reached out to their "tech" department, that, indeed, F-Sport brakes will make more noise than regular brakes. My squealing brake are absolutely normal is what I am told.
Has anyone else experienced this? I am very dissatisfied with their response; I did not pay what I did for my vehicle to sound like a school bus when braking. Also, if this is "normal" then shouldn't the other brakes be squealing too?
Maybe I am wrong...I just feel like I have been put off by both my dealership and Lexus.
I took my vehicle to the dealership today and the shop foreman drove it. The service technician returned to inform me that the tech was able to hear the squealing from the rear right brake. He also stated that this is normal for the F-Sport vehicle. F-Sport brakes, because they are high performance brakes, squeal. They are going to reach out to Lexus and see if there is a "fix" or something that can be done to remedy it. They are going to contact me when they have an answer.
Upon leaving the dealership, I reached out to Lexus. I was again told, after they reached out to their "tech" department, that, indeed, F-Sport brakes will make more noise than regular brakes. My squealing brake are absolutely normal is what I am told.
Has anyone else experienced this? I am very dissatisfied with their response; I did not pay what I did for my vehicle to sound like a school bus when braking. Also, if this is "normal" then shouldn't the other brakes be squealing too?
Maybe I am wrong...I just feel like I have been put off by both my dealership and Lexus.
07-12-24, 08:00 AM
#28
No doubt its a subject well discussed and nobody likes. Rotors do warp over time so thats a thing.
back in the day when rotors were thick they could be "cut", shaved and restored smooth.
Can that be done? Doubt it.
You have a high performance machine and with that you get soft brake materials which are designed for performance over durability.
Those with distain for dealerships will find this all rather unsavory and if the talent will change the rotors themselves saving lots of money and will advocate you do similar.
We talking about your brakes. They are important. Some of us will spend thousands on mods others deem silly, yet wear items are an irritant!
Perhaps you might want to look at the GS 4th gen forums for similar discussion as there are far more posters there and they have similar issues regarding f- Sport brakes vs non and wear factors.
We are often reminded that a $100,000 car, even when bought used is still a $100,000 when needing repair or wear items replacement.
The dealership are not your enemy. They are there to keep your car as stock and new running as possible and that means they will usually take the safe route and recommend you replace the rotors. No downside for them either performance or safety. If your rotors are a bit warped or nasty, your pad life will be affected and the customer will be annoyed by this down the road. With many customers happy to keep the car long term and performing, and willing to pay they will go that way.
Your Independent might tell you otherwise and also know if they tell you what you want to hear they may gain your confidence which you might end up now serviicing your car there. That might be ok if you past 7 yrs, 70k on that long term drive train warranty.
I had an Audi engine go bad after 65k well past warranty and because I did all my service there they were great offering me with no hassle a new engine or generous buy back and 20% Discount on MSRP t replace the car. That don't happen if you can't verify service done right at dealership.
What to do? These are your brakes. Not new rims, not lowering the car, or tinting.
Perhaps get quotes from independents?
My BMW's sometimes had squeaky brakes. My wife's Audis in the last 20 years have had them. My 2020 GS 350 F-Spprt had them too until they warmed up. So that was no big deal. It sucks though. These cars are wonderful and sometimes we have to pay to play.
Stopping is necessary!! Good luck
back in the day when rotors were thick they could be "cut", shaved and restored smooth.
Can that be done? Doubt it.
You have a high performance machine and with that you get soft brake materials which are designed for performance over durability.
Those with distain for dealerships will find this all rather unsavory and if the talent will change the rotors themselves saving lots of money and will advocate you do similar.
We talking about your brakes. They are important. Some of us will spend thousands on mods others deem silly, yet wear items are an irritant!
Perhaps you might want to look at the GS 4th gen forums for similar discussion as there are far more posters there and they have similar issues regarding f- Sport brakes vs non and wear factors.
We are often reminded that a $100,000 car, even when bought used is still a $100,000 when needing repair or wear items replacement.
The dealership are not your enemy. They are there to keep your car as stock and new running as possible and that means they will usually take the safe route and recommend you replace the rotors. No downside for them either performance or safety. If your rotors are a bit warped or nasty, your pad life will be affected and the customer will be annoyed by this down the road. With many customers happy to keep the car long term and performing, and willing to pay they will go that way.
Your Independent might tell you otherwise and also know if they tell you what you want to hear they may gain your confidence which you might end up now serviicing your car there. That might be ok if you past 7 yrs, 70k on that long term drive train warranty.
I had an Audi engine go bad after 65k well past warranty and because I did all my service there they were great offering me with no hassle a new engine or generous buy back and 20% Discount on MSRP t replace the car. That don't happen if you can't verify service done right at dealership.
What to do? These are your brakes. Not new rims, not lowering the car, or tinting.
Perhaps get quotes from independents?
My BMW's sometimes had squeaky brakes. My wife's Audis in the last 20 years have had them. My 2020 GS 350 F-Spprt had them too until they warmed up. So that was no big deal. It sucks though. These cars are wonderful and sometimes we have to pay to play.
Stopping is necessary!! Good luck
07-15-24, 06:24 PM
#29
My squeaky f-sport brakes were replaced under warranty. They said they recommend keeping the original pads, but I couldn't stand the noise. When they did on their own dime they did replace the rotors. I would check if they can be sent to a machine shop though.
07-16-24, 03:04 PM
#30
No doubt its a subject well discussed and nobody likes. Rotors do warp over time so thats a thing.
back in the day when rotors were thick they could be "cut", shaved and restored smooth.
Can that be done? Doubt it.
You have a high performance machine and with that you get soft brake materials which are designed for performance over durability.
Those with distain for dealerships will find this all rather unsavory and if the talent will change the rotors themselves saving lots of money and will advocate you do similar.
We talking about your brakes. They are important. Some of us will spend thousands on mods others deem silly, yet wear items are an irritant!
Perhaps you might want to look at the GS 4th gen forums for similar discussion as there are far more posters there and they have similar issues regarding f- Sport brakes vs non and wear factors.
We are often reminded that a $100,000 car, even when bought used is still a $100,000 when needing repair or wear items replacement.
The dealership are not your enemy. They are there to keep your car as stock and new running as possible and that means they will usually take the safe route and recommend you replace the rotors. No downside for them either performance or safety. If your rotors are a bit warped or nasty, your pad life will be affected and the customer will be annoyed by this down the road. With many customers happy to keep the car long term and performing, and willing to pay they will go that way.
Your Independent might tell you otherwise and also know if they tell you what you want to hear they may gain your confidence which you might end up now serviicing your car there. That might be ok if you past 7 yrs, 70k on that long term drive train warranty.
I had an Audi engine go bad after 65k well past warranty and because I did all my service there they were great offering me with no hassle a new engine or generous buy back and 20% Discount on MSRP t replace the car. That don't happen if you can't verify service done right at dealership.
What to do? These are your brakes. Not new rims, not lowering the car, or tinting.
Perhaps get quotes from independents?
My BMW's sometimes had squeaky brakes. My wife's Audis in the last 20 years have had them. My 2020 GS 350 F-Spprt had them too until they warmed up. So that was no big deal. It sucks though. These cars are wonderful and sometimes we have to pay to play.
Stopping is necessary!! Good luck
back in the day when rotors were thick they could be "cut", shaved and restored smooth.
Can that be done? Doubt it.
You have a high performance machine and with that you get soft brake materials which are designed for performance over durability.
Those with distain for dealerships will find this all rather unsavory and if the talent will change the rotors themselves saving lots of money and will advocate you do similar.
We talking about your brakes. They are important. Some of us will spend thousands on mods others deem silly, yet wear items are an irritant!
Perhaps you might want to look at the GS 4th gen forums for similar discussion as there are far more posters there and they have similar issues regarding f- Sport brakes vs non and wear factors.
We are often reminded that a $100,000 car, even when bought used is still a $100,000 when needing repair or wear items replacement.
The dealership are not your enemy. They are there to keep your car as stock and new running as possible and that means they will usually take the safe route and recommend you replace the rotors. No downside for them either performance or safety. If your rotors are a bit warped or nasty, your pad life will be affected and the customer will be annoyed by this down the road. With many customers happy to keep the car long term and performing, and willing to pay they will go that way.
Your Independent might tell you otherwise and also know if they tell you what you want to hear they may gain your confidence which you might end up now serviicing your car there. That might be ok if you past 7 yrs, 70k on that long term drive train warranty.
I had an Audi engine go bad after 65k well past warranty and because I did all my service there they were great offering me with no hassle a new engine or generous buy back and 20% Discount on MSRP t replace the car. That don't happen if you can't verify service done right at dealership.
What to do? These are your brakes. Not new rims, not lowering the car, or tinting.
Perhaps get quotes from independents?
My BMW's sometimes had squeaky brakes. My wife's Audis in the last 20 years have had them. My 2020 GS 350 F-Spprt had them too until they warmed up. So that was no big deal. It sucks though. These cars are wonderful and sometimes we have to pay to play.
Stopping is necessary!! Good luck
This issue reminds me of an apocryphal story of a European (French?) carmaker who reported on similar circumstances.
The Europeans didn't seem to complain about brake noise as long as the brakes stopped the cars sufficiently. Americans,
on the other hand, really didn't seem all that impressed with the brake system - as long as it didn't make noise when applied.
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