Brake Pads - Ls430

[SteveW37]

2002 LS430

Just wanted to find out if this job can be trusted to a local mechanic type person.

Recent service at dealer revealed these to be 80% worn front and 85% worn rear.

Inclusive cost they quoted for this work to be done was close to £400.

How soon do they realistically need to be replaced?

Is it a difficult job?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Steve

[steve2006]

Have at look at this link for what is needed and whats involved including part #s

http://www.toyodiy.com/parts/p_E_2003_LEXU...EAGKW_4705.html

[Nitmoi]

Dead Easy.

Hardest part is remembering which way round all the bits are. Take photos on yer phone!

Get a small amount of silicone or copper grease for behind the pads to stop squeal.

A G clamp to press in the cylinders before you try to remove and replace the pads.

If the wear indicator is sound thats fine. If it has worn through a blob of solder or a wire bridge'll do it.

Oh getting the wheels on evenly and tight is important too!

[Matrixabc]

I did mine myself, the hardest part is getting the car jacked up and taking the wheels off.

front set of Mintex pads £23.00. and I think they are better then the oem pads. i think the disks were £75.00 for a pair. the rear pads and disks are more expensive but the rear disks should last a long time.

[M.IQBAL]

I did mine myself, the hardest part is getting the car jacked up and taking the wheels off.

front set of Mintex pads £23.00. and I think they are better then the oem pads. i think the disks were £75.00 for a pair. the rear pads and disks are more expensive but the rear disks should last a long time.

how and why are the mintex better - please explain

also do the let off black brake dust??

[SteveW37]

Many thanks for the advice.

Don't think I'll attempt the job myself because I ALWAYS mess up this sort of stuff!

However what's been said leads me to believe that a competent mechanic won't struggle with the job.

What do people think about the 85% worn rear and 80% worn front?

Does this mean that I would be best to replace the pads immediately or do have another thousand miles or so?

[Nitmoi]

It means you've got 15% left at least. I don't know how many miles you've done on that set but you could work it out. We all drive differently some are much harder on the brakes.

It really is an easy job compared with most of the stuff you read on here and there is a pictorial tutor on the US site. If it goes wrong get someone to help you.

[Matrixabc]

The mintex pads for me have much more bite, and they have more stopping power for less pedal pressure, also as the pads heat up they grip even more, the black dust is still there but comes off easily.

[Mike Floutier]

My front pads will need replacing soon. I've done this once before so I'm happy to do it but I notice that the discs seem pretty well worn.

I can't see in the manual how to get them off. Obviously I need to remove the caliper first. Does the disc then come off by itself or is there anything else to do first?

Many thanks!

Mike

[steveskeggy]

http://bahamutcars.free.fr/workshop/LS_01-...ents/index.html

For the pads:

Repair Manual ( - 2003.7 ) / BRAKE / FRONT BRAKE PAD / REPLACEMENT

And

Repair Manual ( - 2003.7 ) / BRAKE / REAR BRAKE PAD / REPLACEMENT

For the discs:

Repair Manual ( 2003.8 - ) / BRAKE / FRONT BRAKE / OVERHAUL

And

Repair Manual ( 2003.8 - ) / BRAKE / REAR BRAKE / OVERHAUL

or

Repair Manual ( 2003.8 - ) / BRAKE / PARKING BRAKE / PARKING BRAKE ASSY / OVERHAUL

To remove the discs, remove the calipers, undo the retaining screw and pull off the disc, use a hammer if it needs it, rear discs are harder because the handbrake works like a drum brake on the inside of the disc hub, but they will come off with a bit of fiddling.

The only tool you would need apart from the usual would be an impact driver to remove the retaining screw if they are tight, all car manufacturers seem to make these screws out of cheese.

And as to the original question, yes any mechanic that can operate a spanner would be able to change the pads, although you would be better off buying the replacement pads yourself as he could put any old rubbish on, and tell him you want the old ones back as spares including the anti squeal shims.

As to when they want replacing, if you are worried about the pads get them done now. If not then wait until the light comes on.

[Mike Floutier]

Thanks Steve!