How To Change The Rear Brake Pads and Rotors On A Lexus GS350, F Sport, and RX350

In this video I show you how to change the rear brake pads and rotors on a 4th generation Lexus GS350, F-Sport and RX350. If you own a GS350 or RX350 and need help changing your rear brakes, then this video should help you. If there are any questions leave them in the comments section and I will do my best to answer them.
The below rear brake parts will fit all GS350 models (AWD, RWD, and F-Sport).
Coated Rear Brake Rotors: amzn.to/3rIBirt
Not Coated Rear Brake Rotors: amzn.to/3xOA0z2
Rear Ceramic Brake Pads: amzn.to/3k6Cy3E
Click the playlist link below to see my other Lexus GS DIY videos.
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[@DIYDanCars]

The below rear brake parts will fit all GS350 models (AWD, RWD, and F-Sport). Coated Rear Brake Rotors: amzn.to/3rIBirt Not Coated Rear Brake Rotors: amzn.to/3xOA0z2 Rear Ceramic Brake Pads: amzn.to/3k6Cy3E Click the playlist link below to see my other Lexus GS DIY videos. bit.ly/2LRGwwK Follow me on: Instagram: instagram.com/diydancars/ KZbin:/diydancars

[@chriscrosby8457]

Any suggestions on where to front rotors for a 2015 f sport left and right?

[@DIYDanCars]

@@chriscrosby8457 Check out my video on servicing the front brakes. I have links in their for F-Sport and Base.

[@jascam1]

You're pretty strong, I've always had to use a C-clamp to reseat a caliper piston. Good Video

[@craignehring]

If you find it really hard to retract the piston(s) it may be rusty inside and warrants a rebuild or a new caliper. Hydraulically the stickiness can be overcome but your piston will drag /push the pad when the pressure is off, wearing out the pads quickly

[@ce3824]

Well done on this video I’m going today… tackle doing as you showed courageously

[@tomk9kat]

Thanks for making this great video! The M8 bolts are genius and made the rotor pop right off.

[@DIYDanCars]

Thanks Tom! No problem!

[@larrydo3464]

@@DIYDanCars how long do these bolts need to be?

[@AllEyezOnRod]

You are a smart not letting people rob you! I was able to change my 2018 oil with the help of your video.

[@chrisschinell7362]

Great video. I would add a caution about assuring the automatic parking brake in the rear hub ... I couldn't get my rotor off because the auto brake shoes were still expanded and ended up popping the shoe hold down spring. I watched a few more videos about the auto parking brake adjustments and they show how to pull the rubber plug and adjust the star wheel in the downward motion to release the brake shoe from holding the rotor. I'm going to see how it goes on the other rear wheel and if it releases the rotor. Another thing is to be sure to align the adjusting hole (where the rubber plug goes) to the star wheel inside. You can see it with a flashlight looking through the adjustment hole. Wish me luck on the other side and for the repair to be done for the shoe hold down spring.

[@DIYDanCars]

Good points. Thanks!

[@chrisschinell7362]

I finished the job all around on my 2009 Lexus RX350! I saved easily over $1,400.00 based on the Lexus Dealer estimate. The Shoe Hold Down Spring ended up being a very difficult to reattach using just my fingers and a screwdriver to push it in with the spring fighting me all the while. What happened was the hole in the outer endcap of the spring would'nt fit over the pin ... it was bent from when I forced the rotor off. I fiddled for an hour and then finally figured I should see if I could slip it over the pin without the spring to see if it would fit and sure enough it didn't. So I had to rework the endcap to make it fit. I recommend getting a new spring set but I couldn't wait for one so I repaired mine. Not having the proper tool for replacing the spring, I then compressed the spring and tied it down with some wire at 2 places and was able then to easily replace the pin, inner cap, spring, and twist the outer cap to the locked position and then cut the wire tie downs with a wire cutter to release the spring. You can also turn the hub & rotor so a hole lines up with the Shoe Hold Down Spring to get better access to it. I was never able to actually see the Star Wheel for adjusting the Brake Shoe tension. So I was just very careful on the other rear wheel to gently twist the rotor back and forth while pulling lightly outward to remover the rotor without breaking the Shoe Hold Down Spring on that wheel. Hope this helps someone out there!

[@DIYDanCars]

Great info Chris! Thanks for sharing!

[@AllEyezOnRod]

I did this and couldn’t get the rotor off realized the auto break was on, got it was now I see the spring is loose in the back.

[@stephencannon3140]

A good technique I learned many years ago. When compressing the caliper piston....... use the onboard pad of the original set that are going to be trashed anyway.. A C-Clamp on the rotor face. With the threaded jack screw will give more surface area and a better contact surface for the C-Clamp foot/pad. Makes compressing the piston burg much easier and also should compress the piston evenly and also reduces the risk of the C-Clamp “foot” slipping off . They also make a good a fairly universal clamp that serves the same purpose but the clamp has a metal “spine. As the jack screw gets tightened the base plate backs up against the outside face of the caliper frame. Either one of these two types pay for themselves in probably a couple of brake jobs and have a decent amount of clamping force without damaging the caliper frame.

[@stephencannon3140]

If you have the rotor retaining screws there can be one exception to the disengage parking brake. For the rear brakes apply parking brake AFTER removing the wheels. Applying the PB will prevent the rotor from turning when you are trying to loosen the retaining screw....especially when using a impact driver to loosen the rust/seized screw. Once the screw is removed that’s you can disengage the parking brake. The front rotors are slightly easier especially with front wheel drive vehicles since the rotor will only turn a small amount before catching itself. With the screw off and assuming you didn’t strip the screw head it is a matter of discretion. The screw is used at the factory to prevent rotor from falling off but probably a pretty fair amount of DiY’era either leave those screws out entirely or purchase new ones. A small dab of anti seize on the threads will help them loosen easier the next time.

[@tjk6277]

Might be a good idea to use a bit of silicone brake lube on all slide points

[@BigBo-Peep]

This video was good, but is missing some very important steps as i learned If the parking brake is too tight (even when disengaged) it will break when trying to force off a rotor like this. You need to use a screwdriver to loosen the gear in there through the hole (rotate the hub) I did it as shown and springs shot out :(

[@generationbehindhifi]

If you have to disconnect the parking brake or "loosen the gear", then there is something seriously wrong with the calibration of your parking brake. The only thing you need to do is disengage the parking brake and the rotor should come right off. If the parking brake is preventing the rotor from being removed even when its disengaged, then its needs calibration.

[@BigBo-Peep]

@@generationbehindhifiin theory yes, but I recently bought mine and wouldn't know how it's been treated in the past. Ultimately I'm hoping my comment can show folks that if you're having to force it a lot, stop and loosen the gear. In looking for fixes, I discovered I'm not the first to have this happen by surprise

[@generationbehindhifi]

@@BigBo-Peep No worries. You lost me when you said this video is missing "some very important" steps. I thought you meant it was normal for a parking brake to behave this way and didn't want anyone thinking it is.

[@BigBo-Peep]

@@generationbehindhifi I did some more research and found the issue. This comes from a layer of rust on the inside of the rotor behind the area where it makes contact. So even though it runs fine, it won't come off unless you spin the adjuster to clear the ridge of rust next to the contact zone. My rotor is very old and rusty, so that adds up.

[@723apache]

Great video thanks taking the time to make it, I like your Lexus videos

[@DIYDanCars]

Thanks I appreciate that! Glad to of helped!

[@mkfourgli9785]

Great video man thanks. Does your floor jack leak?

[@DIYDanCars]

Thank you! No, not at all.

[@bottomlinereviews6798]

Dan, been watching your brake videos they are very helpful, I have the same exact car. What are the torque specs for the caliper bolts & caliper bracket bolts ?

[@jayi836]

Thanks Dan this also works on an RX350

[@DIYDanCars]

Thanks Jay! I updated the title to include the RX350.

[@JasonDFD3S]

Outstanding content and glad I am a subscriber. Is it all possible to also add how long we should expect to complete the task or how long it took you in your videos? Thanks and awesome channel!

[@DIYDanCars]

Hi Jason! Wow! thanks for the nice comment! Thanks for the feedback and I will consider adding your suggestion in future videos. Doing the rear brakes on a GS350 can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour per wheel depending on your experience.

[@atlmogul1]

Dude, you are awesome. I watched all your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@DIYDanCars]

You're very welcome. Happy to help!

[@Brian-xu9di]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@ericastanton2010]

i have 50% left on rear brake pads and son taking car to college.. Lexus has 65K miles. Would it be okay to just do a pad slap and keep same rotors?

[@MRwhoaIsMe]

Torque specs would have been helpful.

[@231mac]

You not being lazy would be even more helpful.

[@InexplicableBill]

Per AlldataDIY (I have a subscription for my cars) the bolts for the caliper bracket - 20 Ft-Lb. The hydraulic hose union bolt (with new washers) 29 Ft-Lb. The wheel lugs - 76 Ft-Lb.

[@danmontgomery2194]

changed the rear rotors today on 2014 gs350 and parking brake light is on. help please

[@ibDirtyGlasses]

Great vid, Love the sandals too XD

[@DIYDanCars]

Those are special steel toed shop sandals too! ;)

[@jacobd7050]

Do you have a video on how to disengage the parking brake? I don’t have the parking brake light on my car dash but still seems to be on because I can’t turn my wheel freely…any suggestions

[@DIYDanCars]

There is a button by the steering column that allows you to disable the electronic parking brake.

[@jj.bwylin]

Does raising the car from the differential ruin the differential?

[@DIYDanCars]

You can raise the car by the rear differential. Its one of the approved lifting points in the owner's manual.

[@alfonsocampos6762]

I was wondering if someone could tell me how to disconnect the parking brake cable I need to change the module and can’t figure out how to get the cable out of the e brake bracket behind the rotor

[@quintonturner6967]

DIY Dan ca’ please do a rear hub bearing replacement vid?

[@DIYDanCars]

If the hub assembly ever fails on my car, I will do one.

[@Tekno242]

Thanks Dan! Followed your instructions, but I got power stop brakes with OEM rotors (all new). I proceeded with powerstop’s bedding procedure, however, it started to squeal coming from 10mph to a stop. Any recommendations to fix this?

[@IWARFARE2011]

Are they any good. Any noise issues?

[@DIYDanCars]

Not at all in the rear. Lexus came out with a shim kit that will resolve squealing noises from the front brakes. I can't remember the TSB off hand but call your local dealer for the parts.

[@JOEANTHONY518]

14mm bolt to remove my caliper seems to be stuck and a bit damaged. I don't want to damage the head, any help on removing the 14 mm?

[@hialeah08ify]

What happens if you don't reinstall the new brake pads with the shims?

[@RH-yk1im]

Nice video btw

[@DIYDanCars]

Thanks! If you like the video make sure to click the like button.

[@sundance17]

7:34 for rear brakes can leave the car in neutral and not worry about parking brakes?

[@DIYDanCars]

I would recommended disengaging the electronic parking brake.

[@stephencannon3140]

They have a tool for the caliper available on Amazon. Basically a giant S hook. Look one end to the caliper and the other through a frame component. Usually at least for me the Coil Spring. Keeps caliper out of the way but keeps enough slack in the brake line fitting to avoid twisting and line breaking. About $5-10 ish or something like that. Mine even has a rubber outer coating and a very obvious contrasting color so you shouldn’t forget to remove after use.

[@gix40]

Awesome vid Dan but my brake pad support plates ( on the instructions Lexus) keeps popping off after i get the tire back geezs. Thinking about new hardware but they look fine. Looking for answers possibly reiinstalling incorrectly.

[@DIYDanCars]

Thanks! Are you talking about the brake pad shims that I install at 4:50 in the video? If so, what brand of brake pads did you buy?

[@gix40]

I purchased the Lexus Factory pads for FSport GS350 it the small spring loaded support clips above the shims. Hard to describe.

[@ben.s.harper89]

Did you have to unplug the electric parking brake?

[@DIYDanCars]

You disable the electric parking brake in the interior of the car by the steering column.

[@BlueShovel600]

Great video. Quick question. What pads did you use and did you have any squeals with them? I'm still on OEM at 20k miles and I hear squealing only in the rear which is driving me nuts because there's plenty of pad left on the stock pads. I"m torn between Raybestos, Akebono, and Wagner Professional.

[@DIYDanCars]

Thanks! Glad the video was helpful. I have had good luck with Powerstop brake pads so I have them in my most of my vehicles. I have heard no squealing with the Powerstop.

[@BlueShovel600]

Thanks for the quick reply. Looks like Rockauto carries them for fronts only. My other challenge is due to part number differences on OEM between F sport and non F sport, do you know if I should be concerned about fitment between the 2? Stoptech for instance doens't specify if it fits one or the other whereas Raybestos does have different part numbers. Again for Akebono it's only 1 part number and doesn't specify, so there's some confusion here.

[@DIYDanCars]

Ops...I made an error, the brake pads I use are made by Powerstop. You can go directly to their website to find the correct part number for your car. I'm pretty positive that the F Sport and base do not share the same front brake pad (different front brake setup).

[@BlueShovel600]

You're right! The base takes part number 1586 and f sport takes 1686. Rears are the same on both. So back to rock auto, I have no way of telling which belong to what regarding Akebono and Wagner. Raybestos seems to be clear, and these Powerstops do as well from their website. Akebono's website isn't clear either. So can you tell me how solid are these pads with respect to dust and noise? No noise ever and no brake dust are most important because I don't drive this car like a performance machine.

[@DIYDanCars]

The pads are very quiet and since they are a ceramic pad, the dust is very minimal. I can't think of a better pad for the money.

[@runtharackwithcj]

Great video man. One of the best I've seen yet. Question. My girl has a 2104 GS350 F sport, seems to be pretty hard to find rotors for. Are they a special type?

[@DIYDanCars]

Thanks J Man! You're in for a shocker! Your girl's F-Sport uses the much more expensive 2 piece rotors. Those babies are big bucks! Last I checked, those bad boys (rotors+pads) were $600 for the pair. I have links in the description to the parts you need.

[@DIYDanCars]

Ops. Are you looking for rear rotors or font? I assumed you were looking for front rotors.

[@runtharackwithcj]

@@DIYDanCars : looking for front. I found some on Ebay for $205 each...so not too bad. Thanks for the info

[@DIYDanCars]

Be very careful with the cheap eBay parts unless they are OEM parts. Nothing worse than having to do re-do a job. Good luck!

[@runtharackwithcj]

@@DIYDanCars ...they are certified OEM parts.... I checked

[@eemmwhy]

Is it basically the same procedure for the front rotors/pads on the same car?

[@DIYDanCars]

It's easer as there isn't a floating caliper up front like in the rear.

[@nahpungnome]

Will disengaging the parking brake make the car roll forward if you lift the rear? Seems like chocks alone won't stop the car. Edit: NVM had a brain fart, the tranny in P should stop it along with the chocks :D

[@youwatchme3631]

thanks for sharing.

[@RH-yk1im]

Do you have a video for the front brake pads and rotors as well?

[@DIYDanCars]

Not right now I don't.

[@DIYDanCars]

I uploaded a video on how to change the front brake pads and rotors.

[@on-site4094]

What make of brake pads do you use

[@badman5]

love the ending lol

[@minabekhit3191]

Thanks for the video. When pushing the caliper piston, do i need to open the caliper drain valve? If I did not do so, is there any harm for the ABS system?

[@DIYDanCars]

No need to open the caliper piston bleed valve in order to push the pistons back that little of an amount.

[@minabekhit3191]

DIY Dan thank you very much for the reply.

[@SergiuYojja]

Hi Dan i own a Gs300h the hybrid model is there the same thing aswell?

[@DIYDanCars]

It probably won't be exactly the same, but very similar.

[@jackluo6827]

hi is this same with es350 2011? and also wanna know how many torque of those bracket nut .

[@DIYDanCars]

I couldn't help you there as I don't own a ES350. I would assume they would be very similar? Floating rear calipers are pretty similar from model to model. I only have the torque values for my GS350 which are in the video.

[@StarK12trd]

Btw did you also painted the rear calipers too or just the front?

[@DIYDanCars]

Just the front.

[@emat7306]

@@DIYDanCars did you paint the bracket at least? looks like you did?? also where are the torque specs for tightening the bolts? did not see in the video

[@thedailylunchbox-foodforth6307]

If I ever put break parts on our countertops, my wife would kill me. LOL

[@DIYDanCars]

That's why you do when she's out shopping. ;)

[@thedailylunchbox-foodforth6307]

@@DIYDanCars Said like a pro! I'm planning to change my breaks and rotors all the way around. Have you had any problems with noise; squealing, clanking, etc..?

[@DIYDanCars]

@@thedailylunchbox-foodforth6307 No, I haven't had any noise related issues with my brakes. Are you? You can use the same parts I used by checking out my links in the descriptions if you're worried about quality/fitment.

[@tonetheterrible]

What size and brand of rims are those

[@DIYDanCars]

I have a video about them if you click on the playlist link the description.

[@tripltred65]

Is this the same process for the 2014 IS 350 AWD F sport?

[@DIYDanCars]

Yes, the F-Sport shares the same rear brake setup as the regular GS.

[@tripltred65]

thanks alot. any brand of pads and rotors you think are best for a good price?

[@DIYDanCars]

I have had good luck with Power Stop brake pads.

[@tripltred65]

thanks a lot buddy I really appreciate your help

[@tpatschorke]

Nice job. Wish all DIY vids were this short and sweet. If you ever do the Pass Side CV Axle, youd be a super star cause finding a good DIY vid on that job was impossible. (Maybe cause it should go to a pro cause it was a complete b+tch!! One quick question, is the GS and ES350 similiar on most jobs?

[@DIYDanCars]

Thanks! Wow! You had to replace a CV axle already? How many miles? Yeah I hear ya! Normally those jobs aren't fun, especially if you live in a salty state. Good for you on tackling the job yourself! I have found the IS350 to be more in common than they ES350.

[@Gucci2times]

Will this work for the 2011 gs model ?

[@DIYDanCars]

I don't own a 2011 GS (3rd gen) so can't comment. If your rear brake setup looks similar to what I have, then it should be pretty close.

[@Subz77z]

Break pads shim needs to be lubricated

[@Knightfall23]

How have those rotors held up ?

[@DIYDanCars]

We have 40k miles on them so far. I would say they are doing well.

[@johnh518]

Hey Dan - great vid. Question for you: The pads have clips on them that can fit on both the top and bottom of the pad. Why do you only put the clip on the top part of the pad and not the bottom in your vid? It seems to function the same (or perhaps better) with the clip on both top and bottom, but I am probably missing something. To me, it looks like the channels that those clips slide into are exactly the same on top and bottom, so it seems like you would want the clips on the top and bottom. Thanks!

[@DIYDanCars]

I lost two clips.

[@johnh518]

@@DIYDanCars Ok, thanks! Wasn't sure if there was some good reason there should be no clips on the bottom. Mine was missing a couple too, but the replacement pads came with some new ones I could add. Didn't see any good reason not to have clips on the tops and bottoms of the pads.

[@johnh518]

@@DIYDanCars Thanks for the reply

[@biggbaddwolf8736]

my rotor won't stay SET any help?

[@DIYDanCars]

Normal. Once you get the brake pads and calipers on it will stay in place.

[@dcoronel4404]

You didn’t need to bleed the brakes ?

[@DIYDanCars]

no.

[@miguelmitchell6940]

Push the caliper piston back with your hands?!?!?!?!

[@DIYDanCars]

Yep! If you can't do it with your hands then more than likely your caliper pistons are rusty and the caliper is in need of a rebuild.

[@tpatschorke]

Yes, huge potholez bent Struts went to replace both strut assemblys. No big deal, has 62k miles and shit happenes. Well when i pulled the comtrol arm from ball joint, the entire wheel assembly came forward landing on my lap. Pulled apart the middle boot of the Pass Side CV Axle.whixh is the long one. Has the Tripod type bearings. Cleaned and regreased them put new boot clip on but just wasnt right. Would have been w half azz job and.could.hear grinding. No Auto Parts store carry thr PASS SIDE Axle. (They have drivers side) so got a new one from CarID and overnighted it. I would never recommend the Pass Side cause the Lexus and Toyotas are. Impossible.to.get out of the bracket attached to the engine block. It slips in the sleeve of the bracket like a ball joint. Taking off the bracket was brutal as there are 3 tiny pins so i used a crowbar just to get the bracket out of the pins. If that makes sense. Then took entire Axle and Bracket,, put in visr and brat ot to death to break free from bracket. And doing all this on the ground adds to the pain and suffering. Lol

[@DIYDanCars]

What a pain! Good job on getting it back together! #respect

[@SirHarlembrown]

good job ......📚💰📚💰🚘🚘

[@DIYDanCars]

Thanks! There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of saving money and doing the job yourself!

[@chuckschillingvideos]

Ummmm.....you neglected to grease the shims and backing plates of your pads. Enjoy your squeaky brakes.

[@on-site4094]

600 bucks the dealer. Loves to charge I use akebono brake pads

[@boxerboy860]

Pads and rotors? Akebono?