MattRX

The part numbers for the front brake rotors on a 4th gen RX are different than the 3rd gen, the 4th gen fronts also cost a little more. Upon reviewing the specs and appearance of both rotors on Rockauto, they appear to be identical. Does anyone know the difference between the two - if any at all?



3rd gen RX


4th gen RX

salimshah

MattRX:

logic based answer:
The manufacture would always prefer to use the same part or supersede with a different part number [improved quality or even reduce cost], but they would never like to support different part numbers if they are interchangeable.

I would recommend stick to the part number assigned to your vehicle and the best place to verify would be to call Lexus parts.

Salim

RX in NC

You cannot go by "appearance" on the rockauto website (or any other website). They often use generic photos or drawings across many different applications. As previously advised, stick to the correct part numbers.

MattRX

I appreciate your answers, but that doesn’t answer my question. The 4th gen shares the same front calipers and brake pads as my 3rd gen.

If anyone has purchased both and can tell me the difference, that would solve the question - thanks.

Clutchless

Does it share the same hub? Maybe they made some changes so the area where the rotor fits onto the hub is different in the next generation.

MattRX

You’re right on the money!

They downsized the hat a little bit to accommodate for the newer front hub design on the 2016+ RX350. There are no measurements available for the rotor, but I saw the two hubs and they did indeed change the front. Rear hub remains the same but the 4th gen uses larger rear rotors (vented too!) for the electronic rear parking brake.