RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

First brake job

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Old 02-15-03, 06:41 PM
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Larry99
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Default First brake job

How long before your first brake job.

Have 56K and pads still thick.

What's your experience?
Old 02-16-03, 02:24 AM
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mooretorque
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That's good mileage!

Had wifey's rear (brakes) done at 50k, when, by inspection they were down to 10-15%. Fronts were still at 60% at that point.

She tends to be a late, hard braker compared to me though I drive faster. She'd probably have gotten a little better mileage with a different driving style but those are still pretty durable pads.
Old 02-16-03, 11:29 AM
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Goncookoo
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I just had mine done yesterday.

Slightly annoyed though. I have 39k miles and I just found out
that my shims were bent and that they were causing damage to my rotors (how does that happen)?!! thats what the service guy told me but further inquiries were usless because he said thats all he knew and the tech wasnt around to answer my questions.

So, according to him the front two rotors were dangerous enough to warrant replacing and and that the rears needed resurfacing.

I asked him how this could have happened without anyone noticing during my very-on-time lexus service checkups. He said he wasnt sure but someone should have caught this a long time ago.

If anyone lives near boston and goes to the Watertown Lexus dealership... I suggest they dont! The service at that dealership has gone down the tubes over the years this incidnet just put me over the edge and forced me to switch dealerships for service etc.

I now to go Norwood Lexus dealership and this is where I got my brakes done and this was where they discovered the problems that Watertown Lexus seemd to MISS!!!!!

The whole thing cost me about $800.


Old 02-16-03, 11:59 AM
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TRDHarrier
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I had 40K and still had about 1/3 more to go but still changed it anyway since I am afraid that the braking power will be bad in snow. After I changed to Akebone brake pads, i braked much much better.
Old 02-16-03, 03:01 PM
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gcrim21
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Default Brake Pads

I have over 66,000 miles on my 1999 RX. I had the pads checked recently and was told half the pad thickness was left. Of course mileage alone doesn't necessisarly determine how long brake pads last. Close to half of the mileage on my RX is highway mileage and that makes a big difference in trying to 'guess' how long or how many miles a set of pads will last.

Last edited by gcrim21; 02-16-03 at 03:05 PM.
Old 02-16-03, 03:11 PM
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gcrim21
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Default Akebone Brake Pads

Originally posted by TRDHarrier
I had 40K and still had about 1/3 more to go but still changed it anyway since I am afraid that the braking power will be bad in snow. After I changed to Akebone brake pads, i braked much much better.
Elaborate on the Akebone Brake Pads please. I'm not familiar with this brand. Is this brand a superior brand to the ones Lexus dealerships usually install and can they be purchased and installed by any reputable service mechanic? I'm curious to know.

GCrim21
Old 02-16-03, 07:25 PM
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mdw131
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On the, old ,RX we had at the low thirty thousand, the brake light kept goin off and on and the dealer said we needed new brakes. We werent going to spend 300 dollars for a car whose lease was up in a month so we let it go....It braked fine except every so often the light went on and beeped....

Last edited by mdw131; 02-16-03 at 07:26 PM.
Old 02-17-03, 06:56 AM
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Larry99
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I did not realize there is a light warning the pads are getting low. Good to know.
Old 02-17-03, 08:51 AM
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salimshah
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Originally posted by Larry99
I did not realize there is a light warning the pads are getting low. Good to know.
No, I don't think so. [Please post correction if I am wrong]

The sensor is only to monitor fluid level and current draw from the brake lights (@rear). [If a bulb is blown, the light comes on]

There is a lug on the inner front pad, which makes grating sound when these pads wear thin. (under notrmal condition front inner and outer wear at the same rate ... & front are relatively easy to see).

Salim
Old 02-17-03, 12:09 PM
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Francis
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I have 52k miles on my RX. It still have 50+% left (90%freeway, that why). I will do the brake job myself. I have some brake job experience so I am confidence to do that. I think It will cost $50~$80 for Lexus brake pad and kit.
Old 02-17-03, 12:24 PM
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Larry99
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That is my driving experience - alot of freeway driving in Houston. And, several trips to New Mexico and Arizona and Tennessee.
Old 02-17-03, 12:33 PM
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TRDHarrier
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Default Re: Akebone Brake Pads

They are pretty good. I think better than OEM. They are actually a Japanese Brand brake pads up and over OEM specs.

Originally posted by gcrim21
Elaborate on the Akebone Brake Pads please. I'm not familiar with this brand. Is this brand a superior brand to the ones Lexus dealerships usually install and can they be purchased and installed by any reputable service mechanic? I'm curious to know.

GCrim21
Old 02-20-03, 12:03 PM
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modelaford
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!999 RX, 53,000, original pads well between 1/2 to 3/4 pad material left on all four wheels.
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