Brakes- When To Do Them? 06 Ls430

[HKinDC]

I need the guidance of more experienced LS owners

Took my 06 LS430 into the dealer for the 30K service. They say it needs brakes as the pads measure 6/32 and the light will come on at 5/32 to 4/32.

the LS is unique and If the light comes on, then the sensor wire needs to be replaced which is $80 per wheel.

So I brought it to my local shop- which I trust. they said it measured 7/32 and they usually don't replace them until they are at 4/32 - but they are not as familiar with the LS, of course.

So, if I wait until about 5/32- I get another 10K out of them. This seems like the best solution.

What do you other LS owners use as a gauge for getting the brakes done?

BTW my 06 is maroon with tan and 18" wheels - best looking and best running car I ever had! Only shortcoming is sound system and no Ipod input or MP3 CD ability.

[1990LS400]

The front brake pads on my 2000 LS400 were replaced for the first time in March 2006 at 71,293 miles a day or two after the brake message was displayed on the trip computer. Often sensors can be reused but in this case one sensor had to be replaced -- at a cost of $55.18 including labor. I got similar life from the front brake pads on my 1990 LS400 - replaced them only twice in the 183,500 miles I owned the car.

Unless you are braking your car very hard, you should expect to get a similar mileage from your front brake pads if you wait for a sensor to trigger the brake message in the trip computer display. It is not unheard of for dealers and repair shops to want to prematurely do brake jobs to make a little more profit. You might want to look for a repair shop you can trust.

The original pads on my 00 LS are still just fine at over 103,000 miles. I check the pad thickness each time I rotate the tires and my current estimate that they will last until about 125,000 miles.