Replacing the brake pads on a Lexus GS300 is something that every owner of this luxury sport sedan will need to do. This guide will show you how to change your brake pads in under an hour, with no special tools required.
Step 1: Gather Supplies
The first thing you’ll need is some brake fluid for flushing the system, some new brake pads, a socket wrench set, and a torque wrench.
Step 2: Jack the Car Up
The next step is to jack the car up and remove the wheels. You can use either a floor jack or a scissor jack. Place the jack under the frame near the wheel you’re working on and raise it until the wheel is off the ground.
Step 3: Remove the Wheel
Once the car is jacked up, you can remove the wheel. Use a socket wrench to loosen the lug nuts and then remove them completely. Be sure to put them someplace safe so you don’t lose them. Then pull the wheel off and set it aside.
Step 4: Remove the Caliper
The caliper is the metal housing that holds the brake pads. There are two bolts on the back of the caliper that need to be removed. Use a socket wrench to remove them and then set the caliper aside.
Step 5: Remove the Old Pads
Now that the caliper is out of the way, you can get to the old brake pads. Use a screwdriver or a pry bar to pop off the metal retaining pin on top of the old brake pads.
Step 6: Remove Old Pads
Once you’ve removed that metal clip, you can pull out the old brake pads. Some come off easy, while others are a little harder. You may have to wiggle them back and forth until they’re free from the caliper assembly. Just be careful not to damage any of the brake system components when you do this.
Step 7: Install New Pads
Now it’s time to replace the old pads with new ones. First, install the metal retaining pin on top of the new brake pads. Then place the old brake pads in the caliper assembly and push them back into place.