Best Pads And Rotors For Rx330

[Fisherman]

What are the best after market Pads and rotor combination for a 2004 RX330. I have a shake comming from the front of the vehicle when braking going down a hill. The pads look worn and perfer changing out pads and rotor at same time. Do not want to just turn rotor since I brake hard with the areas I must drive and also I tow a boat at times. Want the best braking possibility.

Thanks for any opinions

[wwest]

What are the best after market Pads and rotor combination for a 2004 RX330. I have a shake comming from the front of the vehicle when braking going down a hill. The pads look worn and perfer changing out pads and rotor at same time. Do not want to just turn rotor since I brake hard with the areas I must drive and also I tow a boat at times. Want the best braking possibility.

Thanks for any opinions

I try to buy brake pads that are guaranteed NOT to last over 25,000 miles and even here in Seattle it doesn't rain often enough to warrant slotted or cross drilled rotors. But if you must, then go with slotted, you lose too much rotor braking surface to warrant the slight advantage of cross-drilled only in the wet.

[wgwollet]

Always use Bendix, high end cerimic type not

[Grumpa72]

Always use Bendix, high end cerimic type not

I would categorize your answer as opinion. Don't start flaming here, let me explain. I ALWAYS go with OEM equivalent pads for the simple reason that pads are cheaper and easier to replace than rotors. If you go with an "improved" pad you may get much more rotor wear, requiring more frequent rotor replacement. I say improved because that is a subjective phrase. Improved in what manner? If you aren't unusually harsh on brakes, don't live in an extreme hill reagion such as San Francisco or Seattle, then I see no reason to up the ante to ceramic brakes. Same thing with rotors. Fwiw, my 14 year Acura Legend has its original rotors. I bought it new, I do all of the work, and I only buy OEM equivalent pads. THere have been some reports here that some owners aren't happy with store bought pads as being too noisy and have switched to Lexus brand with good results. When the time comes I will try store bought versus dealer because of the 50% reduced cost of OEM pads. If there is any hint of an issue, then I will buy Lexus.

Just my opinion. ;)

Gary

ps, notice I didn't say that Bendix was a bad brand, I just don't care for Ceramic. Imo, Bendix makes very high quality OEM brake pads too.

[newtoncd]

I just wish (at least as far as the 2004 RX330), they would make a rotor/pad combination that didn't warp in 26K (routinely in our situation).

I normally always use OEM parts, but I am going to try another setup next time it happens; not sure it will be any better, but I am not pleased with the OEM pads/rotors.

[wwest]

Always use Bendix, high end cerimic type not

I would categorize your answer as opinion. Don't start flaming here, let me explain. I ALWAYS go with OEM equivalent pads for the simple reason that pads are cheaper and easier to replace than rotors. If you go with an "improved" pad you may get much more rotor wear, requiring more frequent rotor replacement. I say improved because that is a subjective phrase. Improved in what manner? If you aren't unusually harsh on brakes, don't live in an extreme hill reagion such as San Francisco or Seattle, then I see no reason to up the ante to ceramic brakes. Same thing with rotors. Fwiw, my 14 year Acura Legend has its original rotors. I bought it new, I do all of the work, and I only buy OEM equivalent pads. THere have been some reports here that some owners aren't happy with store bought pads as being too noisy and have switched to Lexus brand with good results. When the time comes I will try store bought versus dealer because of the 50% reduced cost of OEM pads. If there is any hint of an issue, then I will buy Lexus.

Just my opinion. ;)

Gary

ps, notice I didn't say that Bendix was a bad brand, I just don't care for Ceramic. Imo, Bendix makes very high quality OEM brake pads too.

"...pads are cheaper and easier to replace than rotors..."

In the end, the VERY end, rotors are a whole lot cheaper than tombstones....

You really want the very best pad/rotor combination that yeilds the most stopping HP...

OEM rotors, the ones shipped from the factory, are more likely selected for cost above performance.

[Grumpa72]

"...pads are cheaper and easier to replace than rotors..."

In the end, the VERY end, rotors are a whole lot cheaper than tombstones....

You really want the very best pad/rotor combination that yeilds the most stopping HP...

OEM rotors, the ones shipped from the factory, are more likely selected for cost above performance.

Who can argue with that statement? :) Oth, one has to assume that the car was properly engineered with adequate brakes and stopping power! While I agree that cost is certainly one of the factors in designing braking systems, in this day and age of a sue happy society, I will suggest that most (all?) vehicles have a more than adequate braking system. I would think that this system is properly engineered and designed for all but the most robust driving style and then, aftermarket parts are available.

My wife and I have each been driving for 40 years and have never rear ended anyone, had an issue with any car that could be blamed on brakes. I drive slightly more aggresively than my wife and even I don't every come close to the full braking potential of this car.

Bottom line? Put whatever you feel comfortable with on your car but I find that OEM is just fine. Again, my opinion.

[wwest]

"...pads are cheaper and easier to replace than rotors..."

In the end, the VERY end, rotors are a whole lot cheaper than tombstones....

You really want the very best pad/rotor combination that yeilds the most stopping HP...

OEM rotors, the ones shipped from the factory, are more likely selected for cost above performance.

Who can argue with that statement? :) Oth, one has to assume that the car was properly engineered with adequate brakes and stopping power! While I agree that cost is certainly one of the factors in designing braking systems, in this day and age of a sue happy society, I will suggest that most (all?) vehicles have a more than adequate braking system. I would think that this system is properly engineered and designed for all but the most robust driving style and then, aftermarket parts are available.

My wife and I have each been driving for 40 years and have never rear ended anyone, had an issue with any car that could be blamed on brakes. I drive slightly more aggresively than my wife and even I don't every come close to the full braking potential of this car.

Bottom line? Put whatever you feel comfortable with on your car but I find that OEM is just fine. Again, my opinion.

Hint:

Like OEM tire treads OEM brake pad material might be thinner/cheaper without sacrificing "performance".

And look at all the owners with warped rotors....

Light, "THIN" brake rotors result in less unsprung weight thus a more comfortable ride, and better FE by a smigen.

Automotive designers MUST make all kinds of compromises, not just costing, YOU don't have to do that.

And in these days with ABS often or always always interfering with "best" stopping distances how is a buyer to really know how good the brakes really are?

ABS is a fine bit of technology but needs further refinement.

ABS should activate ONLY if VSC indicates a need.

PS: I've been driving since 1957, unless we count mules and farm tractors, and I. also, have never rear ended anyone. But I credit that to good eyesight and good judgment, not anything having to with braking adequacy.

[wgwollet]

WOOOOOOOOO Grumpa72.......

Please stop the bashing.....Bendix pads are what to use, first my 2001 RX started with a "ceramic" pad. Did you know that?

Therefore, use ceramic pads because the OEM rotors are designed for this, just like BMW, Corvette, etc.

The OEM pad is a bendix........much cheaper then going to Lexus Parts Store.

Then the disc brakes are about as cheap (bendix pads cost me $44 each axle) to replace. See another thread on how to do this, I can do this in my sleep. Then my brakes have lasted 50K and I am on my 3 set (car has 115K)

Bill

[Fisherman]

WOOOOOOOOO Grumpa72.......

Please stop the bashing.....Bendix pads are what to use, first my 2001 RX started with a "ceramic" pad. Did you know that?

Therefore, use ceramic pads because the OEM rotors are designed for this, just like BMW, Corvette, etc.

The OEM pad is a bendix........much cheaper then going to Lexus Parts Store.

Then the disc brakes are about as cheap (bendix pads cost me $44 each axle) to replace. See another thread on how to do this, I can do this in my sleep. Then my brakes have lasted 50K and I am on my 3 set (car has 115K)

Bill

If you recomend bendix pads what do you recommend for the disks since my OEM ones warped at 30K miles. I am not bashing the oem stuff just need something better since I am towing 1600lbs at times.

[wgwollet]

OK.......I don't like OEM stuff when I can find a better product cheaper and better....enough said.

Towing.....oh boy.....these RX's in my opinion are not tow vehicles. I know our friends at Lexus tell us they will handle 2000 lb total. But....to me this must be for fair weather towing only. Like towing a little sail boat to the lake about 20 miles away. To tow with this vehicle any long distances, would be a mistake. The RX, as you know is built on the Camry frame. To find a good rotor would take some research. Most likely start with OEM parts (is there more then one rotor by Lexus/Toyota?), then google? but I don't know and I don't tow with a RX.

BIll

[Grumpa72]

WOOOOOOOOO Grumpa72.......

Please stop the bashing.....Bendix pads are what to use, first my 2001 RX started with a "ceramic" pad. Did you know that?

Therefore, use ceramic pads because the OEM rotors are designed for this, just like BMW, Corvette, etc.

The OEM pad is a bendix........much cheaper then going to Lexus Parts Store.

Then the disc brakes are about as cheap (bendix pads cost me $44 each axle) to replace. See another thread on how to do this, I can do this in my sleep. Then my brakes have lasted 50K and I am on my 3 set (car has 115K)

Bill

Bashing? Are you reading the same stuff that I typed? Perhaps your definition of bashing and mine are different. ;) All I said was that I prefer OEM equivalent. No, I did not know that Bendix makes the pads for Lexus nor did I know that these pads are ceramic. If these are the facts then I withdraw my comments about ceramic versus OEM, since they are one in the same.

Gary

[mikey00]

WOOOOOOOOO Grumpa72.......

Please stop the bashing.....Bendix pads are what to use, first my 2001 RX started with a "ceramic" pad. Did you know that?

Therefore, use ceramic pads because the OEM rotors are designed for this, just like BMW, Corvette, etc.

The OEM pad is a bendix........much cheaper then going to Lexus Parts Store.

Then the disc brakes are about as cheap (bendix pads cost me $44 each axle) to replace. See another thread on how to do this, I can do this in my sleep. Then my brakes have lasted 50K and I am on my 3 set (car has 115K)

Bill

Lexus pads are only $45 per axle for 2001 RX from Irontoad which is actually the online front for Thompson Lexus. I get over 70K on a set. If you do a search you will see that geting over 70K on Lexus pads is not that unusual.

[wwest]

WOOOOOOOOO Grumpa72.......

Please stop the bashing.....Bendix pads are what to use, first my 2001 RX started with a "ceramic" pad. Did you know that?

Therefore, use ceramic pads because the OEM rotors are designed for this, just like BMW, Corvette, etc.

The OEM pad is a bendix........much cheaper then going to Lexus Parts Store.

Then the disc brakes are about as cheap (bendix pads cost me $44 each axle) to replace. See another thread on how to do this, I can do this in my sleep. Then my brakes have lasted 50K and I am on my 3 set (car has 115K)

Bill

If you recomend bendix pads what do you recommend for the disks since my OEM ones warped at 30K miles. I am not bashing the oem stuff just need something better since I am towing 1600lbs at times.

The most obvious answer is to put some sort of braking system on the towed "vehicle".

[wgwollet]

No problem about getting 70k miles from pads.........that's great for you. But pads are cheap and I do them every 50k wheather they need it or not. Plus understand, that my replacement pads are FREE for life from Advanced Auto Parts.

Just return the worn ones and get a new set FREE.

Bill

[mikey00]

WOOOOOOOOO Grumpa72.......

Please stop the bashing.....Bendix pads are what to use, first my 2001 RX started with a "ceramic" pad. Did you know that?

Therefore, use ceramic pads because the OEM rotors are designed for this, just like BMW, Corvette, etc.

The OEM pad is a bendix........much cheaper then going to Lexus Parts Store.

Then the disc brakes are about as cheap (bendix pads cost me $44 each axle) to replace. See another thread on how to do this, I can do this in my sleep. Then my brakes have lasted 50K and I am on my 3 set (car has 115K)

Bill

Do you have a source for the info on the OEM pad being a bendix? The pads that came off my 01 RX and the replacement pads that came from lexus with lexus part # were all made by Akebono.

[KBRX330]

I have 104,000 miles on the original front rotors and 3rd set of stock pads. Rear rotors rusted away from all the salt here in Ohio during Winter. Will replace the front rotors at 120k. Average brake pad life is 40k.

[dandg]

The 04 RX330 have a defective rotor problem there is even a TSB on it.Some have had sucess in getting dealer/Lexus to cover it I have not.Most brake specialists are now suggesting that you should not cut Rotors on may imports unless there is quite a bit of runout..Ours went early as well,replaced them,both pads and rotors, at local TM dealer( the parts are in TM boxes-no such thing as Lexus brake part).We so far, at 57k have had no more shakes from warped rotors.

Happy to give you TSB number or parts numbers if needed.

[mikey00]

The 04 RX330 have a defective rotor problem there is even a TSB on it.Some have had sucess in getting dealer/Lexus to cover it I have not.Most brake specialists are now suggesting that you should not cut Rotors on may imports unless there is quite a bit of runout..Ours went early as well,replaced them,both pads and rotors, at local TM dealer( the parts are in TM boxes-no such thing as Lexus brake part).We so far, at 57k have had no more shakes from warped rotors.

Happy to give you TSB number or parts numbers if needed.

Lexus OEM pads come in a red box imprinted with Toyota logo all over it with a sticker displaying the Lexus (not Toyota) part #.

[Grumpa72]

Were those front pads?

[mikey00]

Were those front pads?

Yes. $45 from Irontoad. Rear Lexus part # is 04466-33050. These are for a 2001 RX300.

[dandg]

The 04 RX330 have a defective rotor problem there is even a TSB on it.Some have had sucess in getting dealer/Lexus to cover it I have not.Most brake specialists are now suggesting that you should not cut Rotors on may imports unless there is quite a bit of runout..Ours went early as well,replaced them,both pads and rotors, at local TM dealer( the parts are in TM boxes-no such thing as Lexus brake part).We so far, at 57k have had no more shakes from warped rotors.

Happy to give you TSB number or parts numbers if needed.

Lexus OEM pads come in a red box imprinted with Toyota logo all over it with a sticker displaying the Lexus (not Toyota) part #.

That is a TM manufactured part and available at any TM dealer with that number !The number may "go" to a Lexus but the number is in every TM parts terminal as a Toyota part number.

[mikey00]

The 04 RX330 have a defective rotor problem there is even a TSB on it.Some have had sucess in getting dealer/Lexus to cover it I have not.Most brake specialists are now suggesting that you should not cut Rotors on may imports unless there is quite a bit of runout..Ours went early as well,replaced them,both pads and rotors, at local TM dealer( the parts are in TM boxes-no such thing as Lexus brake part).We so far, at 57k have had no more shakes from warped rotors.

Happy to give you TSB number or parts numbers if needed.

Lexus OEM pads come in a red box imprinted with Toyota logo all over it with a sticker displaying the Lexus (not Toyota) part #.

That is a TM manufactured part and available at any TM dealer with that number !The number may "go" to a Lexus but the number is in every TM parts terminal as a Toyota part number.

I was unable to source these from Toyota using that number. Toyota said it was a Lexus part # and while the same part may exist under a Toyota # there is no cross reference. If your boxes have a Lexus part number on them, I bet your Toyota dealer just sourced them from Lexus. Do you have any further info that may help? What part # is on the box?

By using original manufacturing numbers stamped on the pad frames I was able to determine the RX rear pads are the same as a 4 cyl Highlander but was never able to find a match for the RX front pads.

[dandg]

I was unable to source these from Toyota using that number. Toyota said it was a Lexus part # and while the same part may exist under a Toyota # there is no cross reference. If your boxes have a Lexus part number on them, I bet your Toyota dealer just sourced them from Lexus. Do you have any further info that may help? What part # is on the box?

By using original manufacturing numbers stamped on the pad frames I was able to determine the RX rear pads are the same as a 4 cyl Highlander but was never able to find a match for the RX front pads.

here are the numbers for the rotors from the TM dealer reciept;

43512-48081 .Of course it is possible they got them from a Lexus dealer but I have for instance given them,the TM dealer, the numbers for the oil filter (90915-YZZD1) and other parts and they sent them to me (friend has a auto repair shop and account). I do know if you say you have a Lexus they won't go any further(or direct you to Lexus) but if you say "I need these part numbers" they punch them in and good to go.I will look for the reciept for the pads also.

Hope that helps

[mikey00]

I think I figured out how the Toyota/Lexus part numbers interact. Both Lexus and Toyota are using the same part numbers. But here's the catch. If I enter the rotor part number you supplied above in a Lexus parts system, it comes back as a RX front rotor for $118. If I enter the same number in a Toyota parts system it comes back as a 06 Highlander Hybrid front rotor for $98. Now if I try the same thing with 04465-48060 which is a 01RX front pad set, it works in the Lexus parts system but shows up as invalid in the Toyota parts system. The reason being that that pad set is not used on any Toyota models. The rear pad set part # works on both systems because the same pad is used for the RX and Highlander 4 cyl. So it looks like any Lexus exclusive part is not in the Toyota parts system even though in reality it is made by Toyota.

And of course the oil filter # you supplied above is used in many different Lexus and Toyota models so it shows up on both systems.