How to replace the rear rotors and pads on a 2017 Lexus RX350
Description
Tools required: 14mm socket, 19mm socket, 17mm open end wrench, wires for electric E-brake motor, jack, jack stand, tire iron.
- Disengage electronic parking brake.
- Jack up vehicle, lower onto jack stand, remove wheel.
- Disconnect power to electronic E-brake motor.
- Remove caliper with 14mm socket. Set aside, keeping pressure off brake hose.
- Remove caliper bracket with 19mm socket.
- Remove rotor.
Retract caliper piston
- Use positive and negative wires from vehicle battery to terminals on electronic E-brake motor to retract the caliper piston.
- If the motor is sitting with the motor on the right and electric motor terminals on the left (driver side), use the positive wire on the top connector and the negative on the lower connector. When the motor is on the left and terminals are on the right (passenger side), positive goes on the bottom and negative on the top. reverse these wires to push the piston out.
- After applying power to the terminal for a few seconds. Remove the wires and use your fingers to press the piston into the caliper. Repeat this until the piston is into the caliper far enough. If you go too far, the rubber boot will twist and you should avoid that if possible.
Install brake pads
- Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
- Remove the tension clips from the caliper bracket.
- Remove, clean, and lubricate the pins that the caliper bolts screw in to.
- Replace pins, making sure boots are connected.
- Install the new tension clips in the caliper bracket. The high side of the tensioner on the tension clip goes toward the rotor. The edge of the clip with the tensioner attached goes toward the hub.
- Apply brake grease to the tension clips.
- Install caliper bracket on vehicle.
- Install wear indicator clips on both ends of one brake pad, if they are not already installed. This pad will go on the inside, where the piston for the caliper is.
- Install brake grease to the edges of the brake pad where it will make contact with the tension clips.
- Insert brake pad on the inside of the caliper bracket.
- Apply brake grease to the edges of the other brake pad and insert in into the caliper bracket, outside slot.
Install caliper
- I have found that it is easiest to install the caliper top first.
- Once the caliper is in place, use the 14mm socket to install and tighten the bolts. You may need to use a 17mm wrench to keep the caliper pins from turning.
Install wheel
Install the wheel, remove jack stand and lower vehicle to the ground.
Repeat these steps for the other side.
When complete, active parking brake. If all went as planned, you're done.