I have just had my RX300 ('04, 26k miles) MOT'd and the report stated that it had passed, however the front discs are worn and lipped and that the front and rear pads are worn very low. My questions are:

1. Would you consider such a low mileage car to have worn out the discs and pads so quickly?

2. When replacing the discs, which type should I go for (ventilated, not-ventilated, brands etc.)? The garage that did the MOT advised that the estimated cost of the work would depend on these factors.

3. Given that the car is over three years old (it's nearly 4), and outside of warranty, should I get the work done by Lexus or another reputable garage?

4. Related to Q3, should I get the 30k miles service done by Lexus or the other garage?

5. If I go with Lexus, who should I put my business with? I live in Twickenham.

Thanks in advance of a helpful response.

Cheers, Stu

I think you have to appreciate that the RX is a big heavy vehicle and it can tend to go through pads/discs quite quickly if you brake a lot - I don't mean this as being sarcastic, just that given the nature of the vehicle and type of braking its not exactly ideal for (extended) brake life. I would take a look for myself to see how lipped [the discs actually are] and how worn [the pads are] before I commit myself to changing them. Perhaps get a second opinion from a mechanic I trust? I would add the caveat that you should not e taking any chances with the brakes on a vehicle of this size - if in doubt, change them for peace of mind.

To try and help put things into perspective, our RX is still on its own original discs at nearly 50K miles and I do not forsee them needing changing any time before 70K miles (or even later). I did, as a precaution, change the pads all round at 36K myself for peace of mind. It isn't a difficult job TBH, but do put aide a good couple of hours to take it nice and slow Unlike BMWs, there are no fancy sensors or awkward nuts'n'botls to grapple with. Simple, straight forward calliper, clip, shim and pad.

When it comes to matters like brakes, I will only buy genuine parts or OE (like Jurid, ATE and the like ... ) to ensure I get the quality - as with an unknown brand you never know how they will perform come crunch time.

I went with a pre-paid Lexus Service Plan on my car to avoid the issues around phoning around dealers and costing each service. I fixed my costs and can now take it to whichever franchise Lexus dealership is closest and know it will get serviced without issue. I know this response doesn't help, but you might want to see if you could save money by buying a Service Plan for your car?

I hope this helps?

Go with factory pads, nothing worse than a Lexus with sqeaking breaks.

Hiya chaps - I spoke with both Lexus and the garage who did the MOT. Lexus came out pretty much on a par with the service pricing. On the brake front they came out approximately 1/3 more expensive, which I guess isn't too bad. The one thing that I was confused about when I spoke with the MOT garage was that he told me that it wouldn't now need new discs, but would probably require them 'regrinding'.

Does anyone know what regrinding does? It's £22.50 per corner but to be honest I haven't the foggiest what it's for. Surely if the discs are 'worn and lipped' then grinding them will wear them even further...?

I've read ihpj's comments (cheers fella) and can't myself see how I can require discs. I tend to go easy on the brakes anyway, using the engine to brake when coming down off slip roads etc. I wonder if the garage was 'building some business...'. Hmmm.

I think I'll get the car serviced at Lexus and get a second opinion.

he means keeping your existing discs but removing the lip,often referred to as skimming the discs this will save you money.

Thanks for the explanation. Other than having to regrind the discs I'm considering changing the pads myself. To buy the parts I've been browsing the internet for parts prices and have come across these pads http://www.ebcbrakesdirect.com/car/parts_p...+%282003%2D%29#

Now I appreciate that they might look a little 'low rent' in certain circles but I'm a sucker for 'upgrades' and part of me thinks that green pads might look a bit different on my black RX. What does the forum think of the green pads? I guess the majority would go for the standard black ones, but the prices at EBC are very keen whichever type I plump for.

will the green ones reduce your carbon footprint.

I like it

Just thought I would make forum members aware of the outcome. I have placed an order with EBC for upgraded pads and front discs. I checked the discs myself and the rear ones have only a mm lip, whilst the front ones have over 5 mm. I have also asked a local workshop to do the job - 1 hr for the front disc/pads and 1/2 hour for the rear pads. I think I'll ask him to rotate the tyres while he's got the car in.

Vehicle: LEXUS/3.0 (RX300)//3.0 (RX300) (2003-)
Item Part Number Qty Unit Price Unit Weight Part Description
1. D1291 2 49.95 8.2kgs Actual EBC Standard Brake Disc (One piece, 2 discs per car)

Vehicle: LEXUS/RX300/3.0/2003-
Item Part Number Qty Unit Price Unit Weight Part Description
2. DP61681 1 46.00 1.9kgs Actual SUV 4x4 6000 Series Brake Pads (Complete axle set, both wheels)
3. DP61682 1 29.95 2kgs Approx SUV 4x4 6000 Series Brake Pads (Complete axle set, both wheels)