Replace Lexus RX350 Front Brake Pads in 30 minutes | DIY Guide, by Toyota Master Tech on YouTube. 3 min 43 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 43 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Park on flat ground, loosen the lug nuts slightly, then lift the front of the car and set it on jack stands. Never work under a car held only by a jack.
Remove the lug nuts and pull off the front wheel so you can reach the brake caliper and bracket.
Unbolt the caliper guide pins or the caliper bracket bolts, then lift the caliper off the rotor and hang it from the suspension spring with a hook or zip tie. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.
Pull the old pads and spacer springs out of the bracket. Note which side the wear indicator clip sits on so the new pads go in the same way.
Clean the caliper bracket and pad contact areas with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Remove rust and old grease so the new pads slide freely.
Push the caliper piston back into its bore with a C-clamp or piston tool. Open the brake fluid reservoir cap first and watch that fluid does not overflow.
Apply a thin coat of brake grease to the pad edges, the bracket contact points and the guide pins. Keep grease off the pad friction surface and the rotor.
Fit the new spacer springs and pads into the bracket, then slide the caliper back over the rotor and refit the bolts.
Torque the caliper bolts and lug nuts to the specs in your owner's manual, refit the wheel and lower the car.
Press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm, then check the fluid level and take a slow test drive at low speed.
Tips and common mistakes
Bed the new pads in with a few gentle stops from about 30 mph before driving normally.
Keep brake cleaner and grease away from your eyes and skin, and work in a ventilated space.
If the rotor is scored or below minimum thickness, replace it rather than fitting new pads on a worn disc.
Do one side at a time so you can copy the spring and pad layout from the untouched side.
Questions
Do I need to replace the rotors too?
Not always. Measure rotor thickness and check for deep grooves or heavy rust. If either is bad, fit new rotors with the pads.
Why does the brake pedal feel soft after the job?
Air may have entered the system or the piston is not seated. Pump the pedal a few times and bleed the brakes if it stays soft.
Can I reuse the old caliper bolts?
Yes, if they are clean and undamaged. Some makers supply new bolts with pads, so check the pad kit.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
