Brakes starting to squeal...

[Docboy]

2009 LX 570 at 95k miles. Just noticed recently when slowing down to a stop via pressing on the break pedals, I am hearing a sharp squeal. Doesn't happen at higher speeds (ie. >20mph), only occurs when slowing down to a stop.

I can't tell if it's coming from the front or back, maybe front? I bought the vehicle about 1.5yrs ago, no documentation when or if the pads or rotors have been changed.

Is this break squeal a sign of new pads to come?

 

[Markuson]

2009 LX 570 at 95k miles. Just noticed recently when slowing down to a stop via pressing on the break pedals, I am hearing a sharp squeal. Doesn't happen at higher speeds (ie. >20mph), only occurs when slowing down to a stop.

I can't tell if it's coming from the front or back, maybe front? I bought the vehicle about 1.5yrs ago, no documentation when or if the pads or rotors have been changed.

Is this break squeal a sign of new pads to come?

Just look at the pads. The deliberate squeal designed into pads as a warning shouldn't happen unless it's REALLY low, and you should be able to see that on a quick visual inspection. If it's really loud, it does sound like the warning squeal...

 

[Docboy]

Just look at the pads. The deliberate squeal designed into pads as a warning shouldn't happen unless it's REALLY low, and you should be able to see that on a quick visual inspection. If it's really loud, it does sound like the warning squeal...

Can you share a link or pic on where I look at the pads?

The squeal is subtle, but pretty high pitched.

 

[TonyP]

Brake pads have a metal clip that will start rubbing on the rotor to let you know they replacing. Check your pads.

 

[Sandroad]

Can you share a link or pic on where I look at the pads?

The squeal is subtle, but pretty high pitched.

Here's one place to see what to look for. You don't have to remove a wheel to see the pads in the calipers. A small mirror and a bright flashlight will help get a good view of the inner and outer pads on each wheel. Based on your description, I'm guessing you'll find at least one wheel with very thin pads.

Toyota Land Cruiser: Front brake pad - Brake

 

[Cruisin911]

Mine never squeaked and i had less than 1mm left on the outside pad on the left front. Not sure why that one wore more than the others. Replaced all 4 rotors and 8 pads with the powerstop kit. Fantastic upgrade.

 

[Docboy]

Here's one place to see what to look for. You don't have to remove a wheel to see the pads in the calipers. A small mirror and a bright flashlight will help get a good view of the inner and outer pads on each wheel. Based on your description, I'm guessing you'll find at least one wheel with very thin pads.

Toyota Land Cruiser: Front brake pad - Brake

Thanks for the link. I took a peek/pic of front passenger side, outer side. Can you tell what's going with the attached pic?

 

[Sandroad]

Not quite. There may not be enough clearance to see on that side of the caliper facing the axle. Look on the side of the caliper that's facing the fender. There's a large "window" in the caliper there that let's you easily see the pads.

 

[Docboy]

Update:

Yesterday I went to my local Lexus dealership. I just couldn't get a peak at the brake pads. "Master tech" took off the tires and measured the pads. Front at 9mm and Rears at 6mm; he said pads were find, and break fluids were clear b/c I had them changed a few months ago. Didn't recommend brake service, but he did recommend: 90k service, throttle body cleaning, front diff fluid change, rear diff fluid change, transfer case fluid change, and power steering fluid change. I declined the 90k service due to recent oil change and the throttle body b/c I didn't see the need for that. Ended up getting all the other fluids change. Total service including the brake inspection (Service advisor lowered fee from $150 to $80) was $650 including taxes. SA really couldn't give an explanation for the brake squeal, but did tell me not worry about it.

Anyways wondering if I got hosed by the dealership, or was it a fair price? Admittedly my schedule is busy I don't have time to shop around for prices and I needed the free loaner to run office errands and family stuff.

 

[SWUtah]

Update:

Yesterday I went to my local Lexus dealership. I just couldn't get a peak at the brake pads. "Master tech" took off the tires and measured the pads. Front at 9mm and Rears at 6mm; he said pads were find, and break fluids were clear b/c I had them changed a few months ago. Didn't recommend brake service, but he did recommend: 90k service, throttle body cleaning, front diff fluid change, rear diff fluid change, transfer case fluid change, and power steering fluid change. I declined the 90k service due to recent oil change and the throttle body b/c I didn't see the need for that. Ended up getting all the other fluids change. Total service including the brake inspection (Service advisor lowered fee from $150 to $80) was $650 including taxes. SA really couldn't give an explanation for the brake squeal, but did tell me not worry about it.

Anyways wondering if I got hosed by the dealership, or was it a fair price? Admittedly my schedule is busy I don't have time to shop around for prices and I needed the free loaner to run office errands and family stuff.

About the same cost of a oil/filter change at Mercedes.