1 year ago

Replacement of Rear Brake Pads on a 2017 Lexus RX350 AWD Base model

## Supplies

1. Rear brake pads: 2x2 for both sides
2. Brake hardware & lubricant/grease
3. Brake cleaner
4. Thread locker (blue)

## Tools

1. Breaker bar or ratchet wrench x1
2. 14mm and 21mm sockets, and preferably a 17 mm box wrench
3. Bungee cord x1
4. Torque wrench: 25 and 76 ft pounds
5. Syringe or turkey baster
6. 12 volt DC plus small test leads

## 1. Safety and Preparation

1. Loosen (but not remove) lug nuts on the rear wheels, with a 21 mm socket.
2. Jack up the car (rear) and support it with jack stands.
3. Make sure the support is stable. Safety check!
4. Pop the hood, and take out some brake fluid.
5. Remove the lug nuts, and remove the wheels.
6. Put wheels under the car for additional protection.

## 2. Brake Caliper Removal

1. Remove two mounting bolts (14 mm), with:
1. with a 17 mm box wrench to hold the pin in place
2. and ratchet with 14mm socket to loosen the bolt
2. Remove the connector from the electric parking brake (EPB) motor.
3. You may slide the pins (top and bottom) out to remove them.
4. Remove and secure the caliper with a bungee cord.

## 2. Disengage Electric Parking Brake (in Service Mode)

With a 12 volt DC power:
1. Put the brake pressing tool on the caliper, lightly touching the piston.
2. Connect battery negative (with a small test lead/clamp) to one pin on the EPB motor.
3. Connect/touch the positive lead to the other pin on the EPB motor, and you should hear the motor running sound.
4. Observe if the piston is pushing out (to tighten the pressing tool) or withdrawing (to loosen the pressing tool).
5. Once you know the correct connection to retract, repeat the following steps:
1. Activate the motor to retract;
2. Compress the piston;
6. Repeat the above until the piston is flush with the caliper surface.
7. The caliper/piston is ready to be reinstalled with new pads.

For other methods to put EPB in the service mode, you can watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgaRKr3vI

## 4. Brake Pad Replacement

1. Clean and grease /lubricate the pins.
2. Slide them back into the caliper bracket, boots on.
3. Remove the old pads, and pry off the existing hardware.
4. Apply a bit of grease on new hardware (on the pad touching contact), and install them.
5. Install the wear indicator hardware on the pad.
6. Slide the pad in an angel, turn, and push it in.
7. Apply some grease on the back/shim of the pad.
8. Replace the inside pad in the like manner. The same procedure but it is difficult to see and takes some patience. :)
9. Put the brake caliper back on the pads.
10. Apply blue thread locker on the mounting bolts.
11. Tighten the bolts (14 mm x2) to 25 ft-lb.

## 5. Finishing

1. Repeat the steps for the other side
2. Reinstall the wheels with lug nuts
3. Lower down the vehicle
4. Torque lug nuts to 76 ft pounds.
5. Check brake fluid level.
6. Start the car and pump the brake pedal several times.