bamalam

The dealer measured both fronts at 8mm and both rears at 4mm. It seemed odd to me, too. @jcg0324 's explanation sounds reasonable, though.

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Yep.

Just think of a bicycle. Riding it at high speeds try braking only at the fronts and what happens to the bike? Same scenario - what happens when you use the rear brakes only? The rear brakes will be much safer and stable compared to the fronts.

bamalam

Fascinating discussion. I understand the bicycle analogy to a point, but only to a point. Both the rotors and pads on by bikes (mountain and gravel) are the same size and therefore, theoretically, offer the same stopping power. That's not the case with the RX (or my Honda Pilot or most vehicles.) The front pads have roughly 50% more surface area and the front rotors are much more substantial. My RX has slotted rotors front and rear, although the fronts appear heavier. My Pilot has slotted rotors in the front and only single plate rotors in the rear. Bigger, slotted rotors can dissipate more heat. It's clear the RX/Pilot engineers expect the front brakes to convert a lot more kinetic energy to thermal energy than the rears. The front bias is undoubtedly safer, too, since non-professional drivers are lousy at dealing with oversteer.

Another variable in this is AWD and if/how braking force is used to manage torque to the rear wheels. I wonder if 2WD RX owners see the same pad wear pattern that AWD owners do?

Thanks, guys, for giving me something to think about.

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Reiterating the post from jcg0324 - the engineers had programed the ABS system to use the rears more than the fronts.

It's all programmed to do so.

woodford

I have a 2014a Lexus es350 approx 95,000 miles and a 2018 Lexus RX350 approximately 70K miles
ihave had various RX350 for many years
for 30 years I used a auto mechanic in the Bronx - had to replace brake pads periodically- rotors once or twice over that period

moved to Nj and over the course of 3 years have had to replace brake pads and rotors on all 4 wheels of RX350 , replaced rear brake pads and rotors on rear wheels of ES350 2 years ago and now they replaced front wheels pads and rotors (2 different shops)

reason given - they’re making the rotors cheaper - metal warps /rusts

Is there any truth to this - how do I know if I’m being taken?

woodford

I have a 2014 Lexus ES350 for 7 years and multiple versions of RX 350 for about 15 years
I had used a mechanic in the Bronx for 30 years
during that time I would have brake pads replaced periodically- rotors replaced once or twice

I moved to NJ - : years ago and have used 2 different mechanics during that time

since then I have been told I need to replace pads and rotors on all 4 wheels of RX350 and now 2 years apart - rear wheels of Es350 and now front wheels

reason given - they are making rotors much cheaper- they rust warp

am I being taken - is there truth to these claims

how can I check brakes/ rotors myself without much trouble ( I’m 73)

any suggestions/ comments greatly appreciated

thank you

autotech13

I would use OEM parts from Lexus or Toyota.

Quantum501

I also use OEM parts for brakes on my Lexus.

I have used Centric rotors on my last Acura and they were fine (but I was also putting a ton of miles on that vehicle).

OEM cost is reasonable especially considering that you can go 60,000+

toyotaman7

I get about 80k-100k km (50-60k miles) out of a set of OEM pads and rotors.


Rotors rust, but have not had warping issue. Rusting is due to our winters and road salt.

If the brakes are hit with water or road puddle splash they warp.

I find the worst thing is car wash since the rotors could still be hot and they will be sprayed with water.