How to Install Front Brake Rotors & Pads
1990-1994 Lexus LS400
This tutorial also includes brake pad replacement since rotors and pads should be changed together.
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Tools Needed:
Parts/Supplies Needed:
- Front brake rotors
- Front brake pads
- Brake quiet (optional)
- WD-40
- Shop towels
1) Loosen the lug nuts and then jack up the front of the car and put it on jack stands. Remove wheels.
![](../../images/brakes/brakes15.jpg)
2) Remove the top and bottom 14mm bolts that hold the piston assembly on.
![](../../images/brakes/brakes22.jpg)
3) Set the piston assembly on something. Remove the two pins and pull out the brake pads (already removed in this pic).
![](../../images/brakes/brakes23.jpg)
4) Remove the two 17mm bolts that hold the caliper and set it aside using a breaker bar or impact wrench.
![](../../images/brakes/brakes24.jpg)
5) Remove the two screws that hold the rotor on. Pull off the rotor. The front rotors were much easier to remove than the rear rotors.
![](../../images/brakes/brakes25.jpg)
Old and new rotors. The front pair of rotors cost me $50. I bought them from an Ebay store. They fit perfectly and are working great. If you buy the Toyota rotors they run about $110 EACH! If you do your homework you can save $$.
![](../../images/brakes/brakes27.jpg)
6) Install the new rotor and replace the two screws.
7) Install the caliper with the two 17mm bolts, torque to 87 ft-lb (118 Nm, 1200 kg-cm). Install the bottom 14mm bolt of the piston assembly. Leave the top 14mm bolt of the piston assembly off so you can put the pads in.
![](../../images/brakes/brakes18.jpg)
8) Take off the old metal shim pieces and install them on the new pads. You may want to apply some brake quiet on the shims before installing them.
![](../../images/brakes/brakes19.jpg)
9) Install the new pads & replace the two pins.
![](../../images/brakes/brakes10.jpg)
10) Open up the hood and remove the cap on the brake fluid reservoir. Put a shop towel or rag around the brake fluid reservoir just in case. BE CAREFUL: BRAKE FLUID DESTROYS PAINT.
![](../../images/brakes/brakes20.jpg)
11) Push in the brake pistons all the way. I used a short 1" dowel against the piston and the Lexus tire iron for leverage to push the piston in. You can also use a brake piston compression tool. With the piston retracted swing the piston assembly up into place. Torque the 14mm bolts to 25 ft-lb (34 Nm, 350 kg-cm).
12) Replace pads on the other side.
13) Check the brake fluid reservoir to make sure it's at the appropriate level and add/remove fluid if needed.
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