Brake pads

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Sluggo - 15 Oct 2008 21:27 GMT

I'm about ready to start and have all the supplies.
However, the brake pads are Akebono Ceramic and have two small metal clips
I found in the box and, of course, there are no instructions.
What are these small clips? I'd like to know before I start so there are no
surprises during the job.
Also, these pads have a metal plate attached to the back of each pad that is
held on by clips that are bent into place to hold them on the pad.
The pads came with a lube grease as well. What is that lube grease for?
Thanks

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mcbrue - 16 Oct 2008 04:25 GMT

May I ask how much you paid for the various parts? The local
stealership wants 1200 for a complete 4 wheel brake job on a LS430
which seems a bit high to me. I think they charge the same for the
ES300. So a good question is how do your parts compare to the official
Lexus dealership parts. Could you tell us?

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Sluggo - 16 Oct 2008 13:32 GMT

I read the reviews on the rotors which are Brembo and they are made to
tighter specs than OEM and cost $86 for the pair at "Place For Brakes" in
Miami. Hundreds of reviews all saying the same thing. The rotors perform as
well as if not better than OEM with durability.
The pads are Akebono Ceramic and the best they have. Akebono manufactures
for the high-end auto makers. Free delivery and the total was $142.98 for
the front.
I'm gonna do the job this weekend so I'll post how it goes. The Customer
Service at Place For Brakes is exceptional. I mean they are back with you on
the phone in under 10 minutes of an e-mail. The guy even said to call him on
his cell this weekend if I wanted him to walk me through the installation.
I really won't know how the brakes and pads are until I have a few miles.

> May I ask how much you paid for the various parts? The local
> stealership wants 1200 for a complete 4 wheel brake job on a LS430
> which seems a bit high to me. I think they charge the same for the
> ES300. So a good question is how do your parts compare to the official
> Lexus dealership parts. Could you tell us?

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johngdole@hotmail.com - 22 Oct 2008 05:03 GMT

Brembo and Akebonos are an excellent combination for typical driving.
Brembo rotors are used on premium cars worldwide. Good choice.

The OEM Akebono ProAct ceramics are not performance brake pads like
the ones used on premium cars like BMW and Mercedes. But they do have
good modulation and initial bite, with no fade in typical driving. I
like to spec them whenever available.

> I read the reviews on the rotors which are Brembo and they are made to
> tighter specs than OEM and cost $86 for the pair at "Place For Brakes" in
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> his cell this weekend if I wanted him to walk me through the installation.
> I really won't know how the brakes and pads are until I have a few miles.

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johngdole@hotmail.com - 22 Oct 2008 05:14 GMT

Brake jobs are low-end jobs normally given to new technicians. Unless
all rotors are replaced $1200 is a joke. (Are you getting Brembo
rotors with that $1200? No.)

Brembo rotors are definitely better than OEM Toyota. Brembos are also
used on Maserati, Ferrari, Scaglietti and other Italian premium cars
(of course).

Toyota uses Akebono ceramics in their Lexus line and also Sumitomo
brake pads. So Sluggo got a very good deal in terms of parts.

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Ray O - 16 Oct 2008 17:44 GMT

> I'm about ready to start and have all the supplies.
> However, the brake pads are Akebono Ceramic and have two small metal
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
>Good choice on the pads.

It is hard to say what the clips are for without seeing them. They are
probably anti-rattle clips. Can you post a picture somewhere or send me a
picture?

the metal plate attached to the back of the pads are anti-squeal shims.

If the stuff is a grease, then it is probably for the caliper slides and
slide bolts.

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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johngdole@hotmail.com - 22 Oct 2008 05:18 GMT

Hard to tell without seeing. But I think those little clips are wear
indicators. They're supposed to go on the leading edge (of disc
rotation) on the inner side.

The small tube is enough only for the caliper contact points with the
pads (none goes on the friction surface of course). If you need more
for the caliper pins Permatex has a synthetic grease for that purpose
(most of the time there is no need).

> I'm about ready to start and have all the supplies.
> However, the brake pads are Akebono Ceramic and have two small metal clips
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> The pads came with a lube grease as well. What is that lube grease for?
> Thanks

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