The dealership shouldn't be going to NAPA to source parts.

That is something you should of reported to Toyota Corporate, because they are probably violating some sort of agreement with ToyMoCo, USA.

An independent shop using NAPA parts? That's more likely to be expected.

 

I 100% agree- they heat so quickly and make my steering wheel shake and pedal pulse is almost scary- NEVER had that with Toyota parts all the way to the end of there life-

 

So after a long and frank conversation with parts manager at Lexus Knoxville, I am correct in different grades of parts- I have been told that the junk stuff they use for free factory maintenance and brake specials always start with a “AZ” prelude to the numbers-
Yes the Camry and ES can share rotors and pads however the ES has a different part number than the Camry rotors. He can not tell me if it’s a physical difference as in fit, or quality
For Camry rotors v6’s from factory VIN verified-
4351206150- $141.83 EACH
ES350-
4351233140- $158.13 EACH

Brake pads are identical #’s from factory-
0446533471- 127.00 EACH


So does anyone know what makes a different part number for the ES rotors since NAPA site and several others, rock auto, all say it’s the same part-
So I want to know what the difference is-

2010 Camry XLE V6 w/Nav
VS
2010 ES350
Only difference in the two when cross comparison is the Lex has a 8 way power seats and mines 6, all other features are in my Camry the same. He admitted the Camry shares 84% of parts with the ES350.

 

Toyota has 2 types of parts: genuine Toyota parts and tcmc parts which is Toyota complete maintenance care parts.

 

To think out of the box.
With the driving you are doing, your experiencing brake fade.
I would replace the pads with racing pads.
Will brake like szzzt when cold, but when you get them hot.
The good times...
Regards,

 

I have t been able to find “racing or track” pads for the Camry or ES; any recommendations?

 

Napa crap parts

Which, of course, is not a valid statement, anyway. In almost all categories NAPA makes parts from "basic" to "deluxe."

But even that's beside the point, as someone pointed out already your self-reported driving style is, shall we say, spirited. Companies like Brembo, as but one example, exist because if your driving style pushes the limits, or goes beyond the limits, of most people's daily driving style they can fit you out with equipment that matches yours.

If you want brakes that perform in conditions that you impose on them, look to aftermarket companies that specialize in high performance brakes that can be fitted to your specific make and model.

 

Unfortunately, many dealerships substitute aftermarket parts and fluids. Some of them just use OE manufacturers (like AISIN, Denso, etc), but others use whatever is cheapest and/or quickest.

With rare exception, Toyota dealerships have earned their reputation as "stealerships"

 

Stop tech makes performance rotors and pads, but if you're warping factory rotors I wouldn't expect it to help a lot with that. They might help prevent fade, but fade doesn't seem to be your problem (fade is when the brakes get weak when hot - it doesn't cause vibration).

 

Free maintenance is a lowest price max profit type of deal. If this was warranty work, yes dealer would need to replace with OEM parts, but maintenance is upto the end customer and if they actually ask about what type of parts are going in at the time of service printed on the service order before the car is released to the dealer to complete the work.

Regardless of parts used, its upto the repair shop to make things right ( I assume toyota of all places have a warranty right). You mentioned free maintenance, i assume they can repair theyre own repair.

I would skip looking for toyota or lexus parts. What I would do, is go to a shop you can trust, or ask around for a shop reference. They can help you actually fix the problem.

If you feel vibrations in the steering wheel, I assume the rotors have some kind of pad deposit causing high spots. You drove the blue ridge highway which is fairly taxing for the braking system. You could try at your own risk while following local road laws a couple of bed in procedures. Toyota has a TSB that mentions their protocol (one can bed in at varying speeds according to them). If that does not work, then source the following:

EBC slotted and dimpled rotors
EBC greenstuff or redstuff.
Ask the mechanic to inspect and replace any faulty brake hardware. Make sure new brake clips, lube the pins and check for anything frozen.

That should be the ultimate combo without sizing up a new rotor. If the mechanic just does a pad and rotor slap, then you'll end up with vibrations and more issues after this. Again brakes are not just rotors and pads, its a complete system.