LS460 front discs and pads replacement

[McTyke]

Hi all

First post here - new to Lexus - all good so far.

Need to replace discs and pads - recommended by my local independent to cure vibration. I've done this quite a few times over years on various cars but anything I need to watch out for/tips?

All help gratefully received

Jeff

[MLW]

Euro Car Parts. Pagid are very good in my opinion. Used them with no problems. They appear to be used by the trade extensively. Buy on-line at the weekend for the 32% discount. Buy at the counter and pay full price.

[steve2006]

If you have done the job before you should have no problem on this one, conventional 4 pot caliper with the usual selection of anti rattle springs/plates (usually stainless steel) and pad retaining pins so no seized up slide pins to contend with.

Two caliper mounting bolts usually to remove caliper, usual countersunk disc fitting screws.

Make sure the hub mounting face is totally clean before fitting new discs and loosen off the caliper bleed valve when pushing the pistons back.

[McTyke]

Thanks folks. Will be fitting over Xmas so let you know.

[Dale_V]

I dumped the OEM pads and put EBC yellowstuff pads in all around on my LS460, much much better stopping power, slightly more dusty but a worthwhile upgrade. Make sure the hub is spotless.. sandpaper/wire brush then copper grease before putting the disc back on as the LS460 seems to be sensitive with vibration

[McTyke]

All went pretty easy. Only thing noticed rubber seal round one of pistons was split. The piston went back in OK but I am guessing the piston is corroded and so not getting equal force on the disc as I am starting to feel vibration again. This may have been cause of vibration all along as old discs did not look too old. Easy enough to remove caliper and get it rebuilt but have read that bleeding this system is specialist job. Any thoughts?

[McTyke]

Up-date: Piston still sticking and causing vibration so ordered refurbished caliper from company in USA at very reasonable price. Now just hope as its only front to bleed my local garage can do it and clear any error codes with their diagnostic equipment.

[Haylands]

On 1/18/2017 at 11:43 AM, McTyke said:

Up-date: Piston still sticking and causing vibration so ordered refurbished caliper from company in USA at very reasonable price. Now just hope as its only front to bleed my local garage can do it and clear any error codes with their diagnostic equipment.

Jeff, Have you had this done yet...???

[McTyke]

Hi sorry Pete - here is update.

So ordered a cheap version of Techstream from E-bay seller in Bulgaria (£27 for disc and cable) My local garage didn't have software. Once programme loaded on laptop it can connect to car ECU's. This allows you to disable EBC and so bleed front front brakes in usual way. Removed old caliper and go to mount refurbished caliper to find mounting holes don't line up (about 5mm out) Everything else on the caliper is identical. However, there is a 2 digit code stamped in to caliper (mine was N18) and the one from USA was K7. Clearly this made a difference. Damn! Plan B.

Removed pistons and seals from re-con unit and fitted them in to my old caliper. Old pistons are plastic (Phenolic) - replacement are metal. Apparently Phenolic pistons are used as they don't transfer as much heat from pad to brake fluid. However, internet search has reports of these plastic pistons absorbing water from old brake fluid which causes them to become oval shaped and so stick. So maybe this was cause of my problem as the piston bore was smooth despite split seal and the plastic can't corrode.

Soo - all back together, bleed brakes (even with ignition off there was sound of a motor/pump from engine bay when brake pedal pressed) The Techstream software explained that once ignition switched back on, the EBC was enabled. Went for test drive, no warning lights and brakes feeling much better.

Am planning to source seals and pistons for when passenger side starts playing up.

So - bleeding fronts is easy with the Techstream. Rears are a different matter though. Any questions, I'll try and help.

cheers

[McTyke]

Up-date - its better but still feel a wee bit of vibration. Can get pistons and seals kit for around £40 so will just go ahead and do other side. If that doesn't cure it I'll just scrap it LOL!