Project Lexus IS 250
PART THREE: Martyn Knowles fits new brake discs and pads to the front and rear of our IS250.
Although brakes are crucial to the safety of a vehicle, the way they perform on modern vehicles is pretty much the same on all makes/models (in general). The most notable difference being how the handbrake works. Here, our handbrake operates via your left foot which moves shoes sat inside the rear brake discs.
A MOT advisory in May 2023 said that our IS rear brake pads are wearing thin. I could see the outer pad was low by shining a torch into the wheel, but at the service (last issue), I took the road wheel off to get a better view. Yes, they need changing asap. The front discs had worn down so it was best to renew the lot.
According to service invoices, the main dealer put two remanufactured calipers on the rear, along with new discs/pads at 52,622 miles (about 35,000 miles ago). Front disc/pad change was carried out in 2018 (almost 30,000 miles ago). In 2022 (around 10,000 miles ago), the main dealer removed a seized front slider pin and renewed. Not sure which side or why, as the pads had worn evenly.
As you will read in the rear disc and pad change, I made an error on dismantling, which meant a new pad fitting kit was required. A thumbs up to a company I found selling such a kit on eBay after a Google search. I haven't used Brake Developments before, but they charged a reasonable £30 for a full rear pad fitting kit (inc postage). The best thing, though, I ordered at 11am one day and the kit arrived midday the next.
Great service and the gold-coloured pins do look smart once fitted.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
FRONT DISCS & PADS
