So I called my local Toyota dealership to price brake pads. I was informed that the front pads are $52 (a bit pricey IMO), but was also told about a front shim kit. I gave them my VIN and had them check it, and apparently I don't need it. But what gives? Was this some mid-year caliper redesign? Someone who has done brakes on a few scions would know the answer I'm sure, but that seemed weird to me. $34 is what they quoted for the shim kit. Is it a whole new half of the caliper or something? $34 for little metal plates (what I think of when I heard disc pad shims) is not only a rip-off, it's criminal.

Also my rotors have light wear on them, and I don't think there is hardly any lip whatsoever. After 40K miles, is it really necessary to get the rotors turned to put new pads on? They don't have a matte finish on them, but they are not scored or anything. They just started making noise today, but I don't want to make a resurface necessary.

 

I swapped brakes on an 05 xb, thepads were after market, but they came with the shims. We also didn't bother with turning the rotors, wasn't any need at about 40k.

 

I checked mine out, there is no lip, and the surface is very slightly worn, so I won't be turning them either.

Anyone have any ideas about good aftermarket pads? Something hopefully less or up to the $52 the Toyota dealership wants for the OEM ones.

 

Greenstuff pads. Good stuff.