SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

2002 SC430 - Brake Replacement due to age?

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Old 06-01-13 | 08:13 AM
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Default 2002 SC430 - Brake Replacement due to age?

I have 2002 SC430 with just over 22,500 miles on it.
On a routine check, it was noticed the brake fluid has gone bad and should be changed.

My mechanic (independent) recommended that we replace the pads at the same time as the fluid simply due to the fact that they are the original pads from my 01 manufacture date.

I have a few questions for this forum:

(1) would you replace the brake pads? If so, would you do both front and rear?
(2) would you replace the rotors at the same time? Both front and rear?
(3) what brands of pads / rotors would you recommend? My driving is "spirited" but not "racing".

Many thanks.

Michael
Old 06-01-13 | 08:44 AM
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Brake pads and rotors do not just go bad unless something happens to damage them. Pads wear down as you use them so when they reach below a certain thickness you must replace them. The rotors can warp do to heat or can also wear as you brake so when they reach below a certain thickness you must replace. If you don't feel vibrations or have another sign of wear I would not replace them. If it makes you feel safer to have new ones on then you should replace them. Good luck.
Old 06-01-13 | 09:04 AM
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when I replace my rotors and pads, I upgraded to EBC Slotted Rotors and Pads, front and rear. very happy with the upgrade. just my 02 cents
hithink is right on the money.

Last edited by bacardi11; 06-01-13 at 09:10 AM.
Old 06-01-13 | 09:19 AM
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no that is ridiculous. brake parts dont have a shelf life.
sounds like you need to get a different mechanic because this one
is just trying to get money out of you but im glad you were wise enough
to not go through with it right then and there.

brake fluid is hygroscopic meaning it absorbs water so yes it does go bad.
when you press the brakes, the water in the fluid will compress rather than moving
the fluid, which means a less effective braking system.

when you apply the brakes, the majority of your vehicles weight is shifted forward, and your
front brakes do the majority of the braking, meaning your front pads will wear out much sooner
than your rears. you might replace your front pads 2-3 times before you ever have to replace your
rears.

also, the material of the pads you choose, when you eventually have to replace them, depends on you.
different materials could mean more OR less noise, dust, wear. its a compromise. so decide what
you want to compromise and choose accordingly.
Old 06-01-13 | 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Taysdad
I have a few questions for this forum:

(1) would you replace the brake pads? If so, would you do both front and rear?
(2) would you replace the rotors at the same time? Both front and rear?
(3) what brands of pads / rotors would you recommend? My driving is "spirited" but not "racing".

Many thanks.

Michael
Around 30k miles I had to add brake fluid. Ck your pad thickness and fluid leakage, As pad thickness is less the system needs more fluid to push the pads.

Around 40K I replaced the (front) pads from Toyota, nothing done on the rotor.

I have 49k, I am told rear needs replacement, I'll wait for 55k
Old 06-02-13 | 10:32 AM
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brake fluid is hygroscopic meaning it absorbs water so yes it does go bad.
when you press the brakes, the water in the fluid will compress rather than moving
the fluid, which means a less effective braking system.

Wrong, water does not compress. It only compresses if the system heats to the point that the water turns to vapor. Then it will compress. No liquids are compressible.
Old 06-02-13 | 11:58 AM
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dammit.
water doesnt compress, youre right.

water in the fluid will lower the boiling point, which will lead to it boiling sooner, which will lead to air in the system, which will reduce the effectiveness of the braking system.
Old 06-02-13 | 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by ProperD
dammit.
water doesnt compress, youre right.

water in the fluid will lower the boiling point, which will lead to it boiling sooner, which will lead to air in the system, which will reduce the effectiveness of the braking system.
I hate to nit pick, but it will not be air in the lines, it will be water in it's gaseous state. I.E. water vapor. Which is, of course, compressible.
Old 06-02-13 | 01:21 PM
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lol yes indeed you are definitely nit picking now.
water vapor, which i referred to as air.

if i werent on my phone i would copy/paste the excerpts and references word for word, just for you iolmaster. perhaps later when im at a computer i will edit my previous replies to just to clear up any confusion
Old 06-02-13 | 02:54 PM
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No need to replace pads based on age. Saying that if this were my car I'd order OEM Lexus new pads, front and rear from Sewell and pay the mechanic the labor to install while he's got it all apart. Probably good the turn the rotors at the same time. Then your done with the brakes for another 11 years.

Pads for all 4 axles will cost about $100.

JR
Old 06-03-13 | 06:07 PM
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Thanks for all the advise......greatly appreciated.

I decide to replace the front and rear pads (oem) while having the fluid changed.

Thanks again!

Michael
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