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.

Tools Needed:

• Sockets & socket wrenches
• Breaker bar or impact wrench
• Brake piston compressor
• Torque wrench

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.

2) Remove the top and bottom 14mm bolts that hold the piston assembly on.

3) Set the piston assembly on something. Remove the two pins and pull out the brake pads (already removed in this pic).

4) Remove the two 17mm bolts that hold the caliper and set it aside using a breaker bar or impact wrench.

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.

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 $$.

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.

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.

9) Install the new pads & replace the two pins.

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.

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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