If I order genuine Lexus brake pads and discs from the US (since they are much cheaper) are they different to the genuine ones available in the UK ?

For example last time i replaced front brake pads on my 99 LS400 i purchased part no: 04465-50220 here in the UK

in the US the part number for front LS400 pads is 04465-50070 (www.lexus-parts.com)

whats the difference ?

are discs also different in anyway ?

(leaving aside for now that delivery from US will be expensive)

Thanks

Personally I would think they must be the same as there would be a lot of changes being made on the production line if they varied dependant on the country the car was finally destined for.
Also bear in mind you may have to pay import duty on the parts as well as the high carriage costs.

I believe they is a difference across the models, some will be the same but others will not, some american wheels do not fit UK spec cars because of the bigger calipers.

The original parts will be made by one of the bigger brake firms anyway, go to a good motor factor and ask them for OE equivalent parts, ask to take out a trade cash acount and you will save even more.

Good luck

Pete

Thanks guys.

I will at some point in the near future need pads and discs replacing all round.

I will probably buy here from the UK to be on the safe side in case there is a difference. When the parts are half the price its tempting, but as you correctly point out you have to take account of duty and high carraige costs to see if it still worth it.

I will try to find out who makes the OEM pads for lexus (I posted on here a while ago too). If not I don't really mind paying the price for OEM parts from Lexus, the braking performace of the OEM pads and discs with those 4 pots is fantastic for a car of this size / weight. I also get a discount being a gold member so that helps a bit too.

I'll keep you posted.

As far as i can find out, the OEM pads for my Mk4 LS400 are as follows:

Front Pads: Lexus Part No. 04465-50220 - are made by Nisshinbo
Rear Pads: Lexus Part No. 04466-50110 - are made by Sumitomo

The three companies who have lead the way in producing brakes with low Noise Harshness Vibration (NVH) are Japanese. They are Akebono, Nisshinbo and Sumitomo. Some light reading:

http://www.automotivedigest.com/WhitePaper...white_paper.pdf

For the 04465-50220 i have seen it being referred to as a pad for the "EUR UCF20", suggesting is it for the european cars. Don't know if the 04465-50070 is the same spec/dimensions.

Funny how they show a Grand Cherokee on test - possibly not a good advert if all the comments on Carsurvey.org are to be believed. It seems they have the most troublesome brakes of any vehicle ever produced!