[SoNic67]

The ceramic brake grease is absolutely needed IMO, because of high temperature developed during braking. If one has a laser temperature meter, he would be amazed to see how hot they are immediately after stopping in the driveway. If going in montain roads or even towing is worse.

Also I am not worried to find OE pads, Akebono, Power Stop, or Brembo are available on Amazon are very good. Those fit to my 2011:

Amazon.com: Brembo P83071N Front Disc Brake Pad: Automotive

Buy Brembo P83071N Front Disc Brake Pad: Brake Pads - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Island_Mike]

I learned recently from a mechanic to hit up the slots in the caliper bracket that the guide tabs on the pads fit in with a wire wheel and then put a bit of lube on them. Helps prevent uneven wear on the pads.

 

[SoNic67]

I use sandpaper and my fingers for that
Too lazy to get the drill out, find the wire wheel (I know I have one, just not sure where it is)...

 

[quikgt]

My mechanic doesn't use silicone pin lub / but rather a more expensive ceramic paste.

• to combat moisture & rusting, leading to premature/uneven brake wear in Winter climate (w/salted roads)
• even shim are protected on both sides, along with the caliper pin de-rusting & coating

On our v6 RAV4 and sons Lexus RX350, I always buy MaxBrakes Kit out of the Toronto, ON.

• great price, long lasting so far, thick G-3500 Cast iron rotors
• brakes are as smooth as silk & quiet / brake dust on alloy rims are kept to a bare minimum
• kit includes / drilled, slotted & coated rotors with ceramic pads (shim kit not included)
• ELITE xDS Series Kits https://maxbrakes.com/c-1002950-brake-kits-elite-xds-series-kits.html

^^ Saved $1,000 (parts & labor) by avoiding the Lexus dealership (a month ago), on a 4 wheel brake job.

I’ve also used MAX brakes , good stuff

 

[macmanjimmy]

what do you recommed for replacment pads? just city driving, no drifting LOL... usually go with Bendix... Thanks

 

[@2011rav4]

Advics are the OEM MAKER. You can get a good deal online.
Some other people say Akebono Brake pads have a little more braking power.

Try Amazon , eBay or others online stores

 

[macmanjimmy]

after researching yes ADVICS are good and owned by ASIN,,,, looking for breaking power, longetvity and no dust...

 

[@2011rav4]

They also come with the shims. If you buy from Toyota they dont. That's what I use. I have read that the Akebono does have a little better stopping power. You can search here for some thresds for some reviews to compare the two.

Here's just one thread

OEM Advics from Toyota or Akebono ProAct pads

Getting ready to change my front brakes today and can?t decide between these two brake pads. I purchased them both (they will get used eventually)... any experience with the akebono proact vs stock?

www.rav4world.com

Sometimes Rockauto has good prices. Also a 5% available on the internet

Good luck

 

[speedchase]

Although the Auto shop only charged $350 per axle for brakes and rotors, they tried to suggest that the OEM rotors spec do not allow turning (I had about 30k miles on the SUV). Is there any truth to their claim or they just want to get the car in & out since it is quicker to replace the rotors than turn them.

 

[@2011rav4]

Although the Auto shop only charged $350 per axle for brakes and rotors, they tried to suggest that the OEM rotors spec do not allow turning (I had about 30k miles on the SUV). Is there any truth to their claim or just they just want to get the car in & out since it is quicker to replace the rotors than turn them.

Brakes are so easy to do. Many videos on YouTube to show you how. Watch a few and see if you feel comfortable doing it.

You'll save ALOT OF MONEY and know they're done right. You can replace ALL YOUR BRAKES ( BOTH AXLES) AND ROTORS FOR LESS THAN $350

 

[speedchase]

Brakes are so easy to do. Many videos on YouTube to show you how. Watch a few and see if you feel comfortable doing it.

You'll save ALOT OF MONEY and know they're done right. You can replace ALL YOUR BRAKES ( BOTH AXLES) AND ROTORS FOR LESS THAN $350

I agree it is an easy DIY job unfortunately I am hard pressed for time with 4 young children. Also, I checked some videos for the brake fluid flush that required better access under the car - I wanted to get the flush done by the Auto shop that they missed doing.

Can you please share your recommendations for rotors and pads and any good link for replacement as well as fluid flush. Thank you !

 

[@2011rav4]

Do you live where it snows? If you do then you might want to get coated rotors. The OEM MAKER for the brake pads are ADVICES if you're just changing the pads. Not sure who makes the rotors.

I've read some people here use powerstop. A couple of people said Max Brakes ( Elite XDS Rotors with M1 ceramic pads) where also good. You can search the forum for other brands people use.

You can check out Rock Auto. For different brake kits. Find one in your price range Then search around for the best price and reviews.

Sometime Amazon is Cheaper.

I personally don't do a flush unless something doesn't feel right. I know you're supposed to.

 

[SoNic67]

they tried to suggest that the OEM rotors spec do not allow turning (I had about 30k miles on the SUV)

At 30k miles you shouldn't had needed brake pads nor discs.

 

[speedchase]

At 30k miles you shouldn't had needed brake pads nor discs.

The pads were clearly worn out in the front since I was hearing the squeal and they said the rear ones were worn out too that I could have deferred. Probably trusted the autoshop more than I should have.

 

[@2011rav4]

The pads were clearly worn out in the front since I was hearing the squeal and they said the rear ones were worn out too that I could have deferred. Probably trusted the autoshop more than I should have.

Did you do the brakes yourself 30k miles ago or did you have someone do them? They could've use cheap brake pads or they didn't change them at all.

 

[speedchase]

Did you do the brakes yourself 30k miles ago or did you have someone do them? They could've use cheap brake pads or they didn't change them at all.

No, it is a 2017 Rav4 and it has only about 30k miles. The pads and rotors were replaced by the autoshop and I was able to verify that they are new for both axles.

 

[@2011rav4]

You're posting in the 4.3 version Rav4 2006-2012. you should be posting in the 4.4 version 2013-2018. Just for future reference.

 

[SoNic67]

That's what I was curious - 30k miles. My 2011 has 78k miles and still has the OE rotors and pads.

 

[RevyRav]

Do you guys use 2 or 1 clips per pad? The shim kit direct from toyota only comes with enough for 1. Last time I cleaned up the old ones and reused them so I had all of them on. It seems like maybe my outside pads aren’t wearing as fast as the inside but that might just be that my rotors are on their last cycle?

I’ll get ADVIC next time I suspect. I always clean and lube the moving posts. Sometimes they have a little rust. My brakes make less noise, feel better, and last longer than if someone else does it. At least thus far.

How long do calipers last?