How to Replace the Brake Pads for a Lexus GS300
- 1). Park the GS300 on level ground, and turn the engine off. Put the transmission in "park."
- 2). Turn each lug nut on the wheels one full turn with the tire iron to loosen them.
- 3). Lift the vehicle with the jack, and position jack stands underneath the axles. Lower the car onto the jack stands to safely support the vehicle while you work.
- 4). Remove the lugs, and take the wheels off.
- 5). Remove the caliper slide bolts. Locate the two bolts on each caliper. The slide bolts are on the back side of the caliper and can be easily reached if you physically turn the front wheels away from you. Loosen each pin--or bolt--with a 13 mm socket wrench. Finish removing the bolts with your hands, and set them out of the way for future reinsertion.
- 6). Set the front brake caliper on top of the rotor or steering arm--do not let it hang by the brake line.
- 7). Grab the retaining clip at the top edge of the brake pads with a pair of pliers. Pull the pads from the slots of the caliper bracket.
- 8). Inspect the caliper bracket and rotor. The bracket should be solid and void of any cracks or signs of heavy stress. The brake rotors should be smooth and flat. If the components are damaged, replace them immediately.
- 9). Apply brake grease to the back sides of the new brake pads. The shims (the area on the back of the pads opposite the side that will make contact with the rotor) car be damaged by wear from the caliper pistons as well as moisture. The anti-squeal compound will protect the pads and foster consistent operation.
- 10
Place the bottom side of the new brake pads into the caliper bracket slot first, then push the top of the pad in place to engage the retaining clip. - 11
Open the brake bleed valve with a 10 mm socket wrench. Place a drip pan under the caliper to capture the brake fluid. - 12
Grip the caliper piston and the back side of the caliper with channel-lock pliers. Squeeze the caliper piston into the side of the caliper to make room for the thicker brake pads. Let go of the caliper once the pistons are fully opened inside of the caliper. - 13
Place the caliper over the new brake pads and caliper bracket. Close the brake bleed valve with the 10 mm wrench. - 14
Apply a thin coat of brake grease to the caliper slide pins. Screw the pins into the caliper and tighten them with the 13 mm wrench. - 15
Repeat Steps 5 through 14 for each additional set of the Lexus GS300's brake pads you need to replace. For the rear brakes, suspend the caliper with a wire coat hanger to avoid hanging it by the brake line. - 16
Replace the wheels onto the Lexus wheel bolts, and screw on the lug nuts. - 17
Lift the vehicle with the jack, and remove the jack stands. Lower the Lexus' tires to the ground, and tighten the lugs with the tire iron or lug wrench.
