Lexus brake discs & pads replacement

How do front brake discs work?

The brake disc is a metal plate mounted on the wheel hub that is clamped between **2 brake pads **when braking is applied; this causes friction and slows the vehicle down.

How often should brake discs need replacing?

As a rough guide, your brake discs should last between 50k and 70k miles, but there are many variables that could affect this, including driver behaviour, the weight you carry and the speed you travel.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

Incorrect brake function, damaged or excessively worn discs or pads are considered unsafe for your vehicle performance and will cause your car to fail its MOT. Nearly 20% of MOT failures are caused by faulty brakes.

What happens when we replace your front brake discs?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will inspect the brake system for signs of wear, damage and breakage.
• They will establish which brake discs need to be replaced and fit new ones as necessary.
• You will be advised if any of the brake pads need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
• Once the brake discs have been replaced, our mechanics will test them thoroughly to ensure the correct operation of the new parts, and make any adjustments required for premium performance.

What causes brake discs to stop working correctly?

Brake discs wear out over time from continual use. The friction applied by the brake pads, and the intense heat generated, will eventually deform the disc, causing it to become thinner and less effective when performing its job.

Extended use can also cause brake discs to crack, rendering them ineffective. Scars and rust on the disc can be caused by debris thrown from the road and poor weather conditions; this is also effective in reducing the operation of your brake discs.

Symptoms of malfunctioning brakes discs

Braking causes unusual noises

Loud screeching or grinding noises from your brakes is an indication that there is a problem with either your brake discs or pads.

When your car pulls to one side under braking

If only one brake is working correctly, it can cause your car to pull in the direction of the functioning brake.

The car vibrates under braking

Your brake pads or discs could be warped if the pedal vibrates when you press down on it.

The front brake disc shows signs of damage

Look through the wheel for a visual check—if the disc’s surface isn’t smooth, or it displays cracks, grooves, spots or a blue colourisation, then the disc is quite likely damaged.

Your brake warning light on the dashboard is illuminated

If any of your dashboard warning lights are illuminated, the sensor that detects problems or worn out parts and components has identified an issue and activated the system.

Lexus

Lexus is the luxury division of the Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota.

The Lexus brand was launched in 1989, is marketed in more than 70 countries worldwide, and has become Japan’s largest-selling make of premium cars.

How popular is Lexus in the United Kingdom?

For such a high-flying global leader, Lexus has a seemingly modest 156k cars on the road in the UK today.

Luxury executive vehicles for the discerning driver

In the UK, the Lexus brand focuses heavily on the NX and RX SUV models, it’s the fastest growing market for family cars after all; but each of the hatchbacks, saloons and coupés in its range come with the same high-level of luxury and sophistication for their £25–£76k price tags.

Lexus design and technology

Lexus was born to present itself as a luxury brand, something Toyota wasn’t in a position to market to their typical customer given their existing brand perception. To achieve a true luxury standard, they have targeted both vehicle development as well as their lavish presentation.

‘Lexus Musts’

Each vehicle has to achieve 500 specific must have standards known as ‘Lexus Musts’, all of which are to attain the high-end presentation and performance of a ‘true’ luxury marque.

Although they might not all be ‘Lexus Musts’ you can expect to find criteria such as leather seat stitching, smart key entry, remote touch control systems, surround sound and reduced cabin noise that utilises acoustic glass, in your Lexus vehicle. And the driving technology is just as impressive: Lexus introduced continuously variable transmissions, regenerative brakes, hybrid and electric fuel options, as well as vehicle stability and integrated dynamic handling management systems.

Lexus’ reliability and reputation

Lexus ranked 2nd place out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. Their high standards and typical Japanese reliability set them above every marque except Suzuki, and they only missed out on the top spot by 0.2%.

Recent Lexus recalls and reliability issues

Various recalls have been made on Lexus models throughout their motoring history. The following are a list of the most recent in the UK and Europe.

04/05/2019 – Lexus ES and Lexus UX (2018–2019)

The emergency calling system may not be correctly installed

18/03/2019 – Lexus LS 500h (2017–2018)

Due to an incorrect tyre to the wheel assembly process, the sidewall reinforcement layer may become damaged

23/11/2018 – Lexus SC 430 (2001–2006)

The ammonium nitrate propellant used in the airbag inflator may degrade over time due to heat cycles

02/11/2018 – Lexus IS350, Lexus GS450h and Lexus GS350 (2005–2014)

A crack in the fuel pulsation damper may lead to a fuel leak

21/09/2018 – Lexus LC500h (2016–2018)

The vehicles’ electronic control unit has been improperly programmed

04/03/2018 – Lexus RCF (2014–2017)

The pulsation damper in one of the high-pressure fuel pumps could be defective

18/02/2018 – Lexus RX450h and Lexus NX300h (2015)

There could be a fault with the pressure sensors for the airbag system

03/02/2018 – Lexus CT200h (2016–2017)

The tank may develop a leak as a result of defective welding

All recall information sourced from gov.co.uk data.